Singing a different tune these days

But the Ambrose who came to the Kings Casino here on Friday night was a different version. The familiar grim facial expressions have given way to a ready smile and a warm hello, beaded bracelets have come in place for those trademark white wristbands, and a rhythm guitar has replaced the red cherry in his hands. This is Ambrose the Calypso singer.

For nearly four hours, the West Indian legend enthralled a good gathering with a few Calypso numbers, a short description, rather a gentle reminder, about his cricketing exploits, and a short but pleasant interaction with the crowd.

“I love music. In fact, every West Indian loves music. Music flows everywhere in the Caribbean,” Ambrose, who is part of The Big Bad Dread and the Bald Head, now called Spirited, said with a wide grin before getting back to the stage to belt out another number, Tap Your Feet.

However, Ambrose couldn’t keep himself away from cricket for long. “Enjoy the evening. West Indies is going to win a few matches against India. Antigua is Ambrose-land man,” the 47-year old said amidst loud cheers. The current West Indian team, bereft of genuine pace bowling talent, would have welcomed him with both hands if he announced his readiness to play.

There was a buzz that Sir Gary Sobers would make a quick appearance at the venue, but the visit of the legendary all-rounder didn’t materialise. But for a cricket enthusiast, there was Richie Richardson, former West Indian captain and now the national team manager for the series against India.

Richardson too played the rhythm guitar, supporting Ambrose in singing as part of the chorus. “My tryst with serious music started in 1988 when Amby bought a base guitar during a tour to England.

“Since then, I am hooked to music and there never was a day when I couldn’t stop myself from playing the guitar. It was relaxing after a hard day’s play and kept us in the right frame of mind if we were on an overseas trip,” Richardson said.