Sambo

In the old days in the Caribbean this derogatory term Sambo meant a man of mixed race, and of course it is quite possible that this Trinidadian singer fell into this category. In both the 45s I know he associated himself with the African originated Obeah cult in his credit although unlike Exuma he doesn’t seem to have imported any direct influences in his music. Sambo worked with genius guitarist Lynn Taitt in his home island and probably moved with Taitt to Jamaica in the very early 60s where he joined the band that Taitt established, the Cavaliers. This was very much a live band and I don’t know of any 45s from them on which Sambo performed.

Instead both his known releases were made in the 70s, one back in Trinidad and the other with Taitt in Canada where he had relocated in the late 60s. His first release included the soulful ballad ListenI’m Tired Of Going On on which his forceful tenor vocal dominates the rather sparse accompaniment. Love the echo on his vocal, and the chord structure of the song. The top side “Woman” is a more of a funky jump up number than anything else. Sambo’s other 45 was not of such quality sadly, despite a duet version of Ed Townsend’s “For Your Love” on the flip.

If you want to hear more Caribbean soul you can read my article here, and read Tom de Jong's excellent response here.



Discography

As SAMBO

Woman / ListenI’m tired of going on ~ KALALOO 132 / PAULS 1001 (1975)

As SAM-BO

Depend on yourself / For your love ~ OBEAH 140 / STRAKERS 215 (1976) (Note ~ flip by SAM BO  & CAROL SAM)

Thanks to Barry “Soulbrother” Fowden for the suggestion.

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