This videeo, and song stands out to me for many reasons; The most dominant being that
The use of images used (video clips, shot choices), and the hardshipeds that were faced, and endured by the population of New Orleans (dominantly the African Americans). How the directer of this video used the Sense of space by begginning in the studio with the bands in isolated sound boothes and then pans to a conjoined shot, and as the creshendo builds it expands to an arena proves to be a useful tool of cinama. Throughout this time the video clips show an situation within New orleans of skies Riddelled with planes, and helicopers fighting to re-build the levee. The ending shot is a sign that says "Not as Seen on TV," This in my mind shows that reality is not as we see it on tv. The unfortunate circomstance is that we as Americans at and watch people struggle, die, the last of the afro-carribean culture washed away, and difussed. Now most people in America have seem to forgotten what they saw, and still can't grasp the notion that half the city of New Orleans is still standing in a condemmed state (houses, people, music) and the goverment know has appropiated much of that land for themselve. As the video first image said "PARADISE," but that sure isnt in New Orleans any more.

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When looking to find new inovations in music my #1 new source is you tube. This video caught my eye because Yuri Lanes ability to mix the genres of Blues/Hip-Hop, and recreate an instrument that has been in existence for hundreds of years. I also like the Black and white format I feel that it offers the viewers a more historical lens, and this this aids in the conception of the audio. Being a hormonica player I have my self been trying to establish new concepts with the intstrument. Personally I have been utilyzing three effects pedals (Boss m-50, Digitech Vocal Hormonizer, and a digitech rpg 80), For amps I run a stereo mix of a Fender Deluxe, and a Vox Reverb, with a vintage Green Bullet microphone. Primarily I use this set-up when proforming Techno/Hip-Hop with The Christan Bryant Trio, and local DJ Peter Robot. Soon I will have the First midi driven power glove (yes that thing from Duck Hunt) that when linked to a mic, and with the help of a computer will allow me to do hundreds of effects, and drum, vocal and bass tracks with the movement of my fingers? Experimentation is soon to come, and here to stay!

Manual Monestel is one of the few living calypsonians in Costa Rica whom, maintains and revitalizes the world Calypso scene as we know it. Manual Monestel studied calypso music with Walter Fergusion for fifteen years before his death. Calypso music, and the Afro-Caribbean has had an personal impact on my life. While living in Cost Rica; I was lucky enough to have met Manual Monestel and many other calypsonians, exchanged thoughts on cultural ideas, and learn first hand the theory behind calypso music.
Since returning from CR I have produced, and performed in the only four calypso ever in the Durango area. The groups varied from 4-12 performers, and often Incorporated dancers for the performances. Currently I am soon to finish an album of my original Calypsos. and a few traditional ones that I have been working on for two years. There are 16 musicians which have recorded tracks on it, and many more to to come. So listen to Calypso and free your self, an free your mind!