Someone recently asked me "What IS Trop Rock, anyway?" Errr... not such an easy answer, when you think about it, I guess. But, being an ambassador of the lifestyle, so to speak, I've given it some thought and I think I finally know the answer. In short, Trop-Rock is a group of musically similar styles that appeal to those who feel a strong affiliation or connection to the tropics. Trop Rock is broken up into a subset of tropical genres that can be identified as: Tropical Jazz - as in Jimmy Buffett's Creola, Gene Mitchell's Tropical Express or James Taylor's Only A Dream In Rio. Cool, smooth jazz and sophisticated chord progressions create a soft mood with equatorial rhythms, accentuated by subtle percussion sounds with easy stylized melodies. Island Country – exemplified by Buffett's classic, Margaritaville, Alan Jackson's It's Five O'clock Somewhere, and any tune from Brent Burns' CD, Ragtops And Flip Flops. Although the instruments and chord progressions are certainly derived from American Country music, the lyrics and percussion instruments used to create the tropical, vacation-like mood are evident. It's usually within this realm that newbie Parrotheads discover their tropical side. As one veteran Bubba follower once said, "Just go to the store, buy the A1A CD and learn every word. The rest will happen on it's own". Latin-Tropic or Spicy Island – This is a relatively new and experimental area for Trop Rock troubadours, usually reserved for the most experienced and secure artists. Jimmy Buffett's Party At The End of The World, Kelly McGuire's It's A Mystery, and Captain Quint's Port Royal are a few that exemplify this wonderful set. Distinctively Latin rhythms and island percussionists drive emotionally charged, exciting songs, usually in a minor key. The chord progressions are typically very sophisticated as compared to the more traditional Island Country subset. If you want to get a Parrothead party going from the get-go, just throw on Everybody's Got A Cousin In Miami and let it rip. Island Rock – This is an easy one and easily the favorite of many Buffett fans. Not only did Jimmy Buffett invent this style, he has continued to hone and perfect it, setting the standard for other budding artists like him. Funloving, flavorful tunes that incorporate the most familiar instruments, rhythms and sounds include, Coconut Telegraph, Lage Nom Ai, One Particular Harbor, Jolly Mon Sing, Havana Daydreamin' and the like. Ultimately, it's up to every island enthusiast to determine his or her own set of standards for what constitutes a true Trop Rock song. New artists are already breaking into the scene, creating their own unique styles and gaining their own following. A good example is Jack Johnson. How could anyone ever classify Jack Johnson? I certainly can't. And then there's the new invasion of the Pacific Islanders led by Jake Shimabukuro, Jeff Peterson and Bobby Ingano. The good news is that there's really no end to all the good that world music can bring. In the immortal declaration of Rufus (referring to the music of Ted "Theodore" Logan and Bill S. Preston, esquire) he states that [their] music would help peace come to the world, there would be no more poverty, the planets would come into alignment, and there would be universal harmony. Personally, I'd like to think there's something to that. Labels: Jimmy Buffett, Trop Rock |
