THE STRAY CATS calypso tent opened their 2008 Pic-O-de-Crop season with a showing at the Six Roads Market last Sunday.

As customary, Stray Cats – under the direction of veteran musician Jerry Boar Cat Roberts – comprised young people and mainly first timers.

One act that stood head and shoulders above the rest was Annie. It was Annie's rendition of songs Strong Woman and River Bay, especially the former that blew away the small audience in attendance.

She married excellent vocal technique, tone, clarity and conviction to bring alive Strong Woman. She has natural kaiso instinct and did credit to the Stray Cats.

De Constructor was also impressive with You Can Make It and Airplay (for his song). Cutters, one of the supporting sponsors by the same name, did Work For All as he read from a script in hand, all in the spirit of being a Stray Cat.

Sobie preached fiscal prudence and nationalism in Cut and Contrive and Bim Express respectively, while Henry O expressed his concerns about a changing Barbados in Minding My Business.

Pamela O, a constant in the Stray Cats, held her own in two philosophical pieces, Classical Calypso and AIDS. (JS)