The APA Big Band Concert was much anticipated. APA musicians practised long and hard to perfect their parts and though eager, I’m sure some dreaded their solo opportunities during the concert. The Big night was finally here. Stage was set and dimly lit as audience members filed in and awaited the night’s festivities. Mr. Michael Cherrie was the master of ceremonies and is always a good one with his cleaver
comments and wonderfully awkward mannerisms.
As we stood for the Anthem of Trinidad and Tobago I was both nervous and proud but it went tremendously! The United States anthem played and, well, basically blew ours out. Maybe the anthem had more room for layers and arrangement, but whatever it was, I hoped that this would be the theme
of the rest of the night.
The audience was addressed by Mr. Curtis R. Manchoon, chairman of the Board of Govenrnors, who mentioned all the areas of study that APA covers except for Music Technology. I’m sure it just slipped his mind. Charge´D Affaires A.I, Mrs Margaret Diop stated how thrilled the students from Michigan State University were to be in Trinidad and went on to say that most even picked up the cost of their own travel. She shared that part of the visit involved the MSU and UTT musicians playing free concerts for the under privileged not to forget their joint hosting of master classes for our local musicians. When it was all said and done, it was finally time to get on with the real business of the night- the music.
The first piece of the night began consisting of both UTT and MSU musicians. This was groovy, tightly executed and overall had the “vibes” that was necessary to hold the audience. The wind instrumentalists really put on a show and were entertaining to listen to as well as look at. I attest this to the conductor Mr. Aidan Chamberlain who has employed these strategies before, making the players swing their instruments from left to right in the vein of that real old school showmanship. It was a relief that the ensemble still sounded superb without the pianist because no piano could be heard. Overall this first act really started the night off with a bang and Mr. Chamberlin stated this was the beginning of a
relationship between UTT and MSU.
The next few pieces were performed by the UTT Big Band and boy was that a treat. There were some marvelous solos performed atop a bed of well-executed jazz music accompaniment. As my head moved side to side grooving to the music, I felt as though I was the only one enjoying it. Either that or I was unaware of the proper way to behave during such a concert- sit tightly back, maybe tap a finger on my crossed leg and crack no smiles. Nevertheless the music was all that mattered. Our own home-grown Etienne Charles, professor of Jazz Trumpet at MSU tantalized us with his remarkable solos along with his saxophone playing counterpart Diego Rivera. Other musicians who stood out were Marillyn Morrison with her soulful saxophone solo, Michael Rodriguez playing that trombone like he meant it and Richard Welch who sure looked happy to be behind that drum kit.
Bringing it close to home, Krisson Joseph, lecturer and powerhouse vocalist treated us to some sweet calypso music. One of these songs were originally sung by his late father The Mighty Penguin, Seadly Joseph and Krisson went on to say that the Monday before the show marked the 1st anniversary of his father’s passing and that his performance was a, “fitting way to end the week”. His performance with the Big Band was heartfelt, entertaining and full of life, engaging both the Trinidadian and foreign members of the audience. Krisson’s second piece also had a personal connection to the APA since it was composed and arranged by our very own ace trumpeter Mr. Errol Ince who serves as a lecturer and Co-Director of the UTT Big Band alongside Anthony Woodroffe Jr. and Chamberlain. In this second rendition we finally hear the guitar skills of the talented Dean Williams as he steps forward for a short solo, but it is incredibly difficult to focus on the band when you have someone like Krisson, with impeccable vocal and pitch control entertaining your ears. The musical breakdown where the entire ensemble chanted while Krisson added adlibs was hair-raising and genuine. These performances were my favorite of the night!
Finally it was time for the MSU Jazz Orchestra to show us what they got (come on… that was for effect). During their spectacular performance was the first time the piano was audible. The smooth jazz rhythms were captivating and all musicians knew their place and time. There was some sort of planned, five part saxophone solo that was sensational and if that was not enough to make you feel like you were in a Jazz lounge in New Orleans, there was an awesome snap session, led by Etienne Charles where all audience members were encouraged to snap their fingers which really exposed an all-inclusive meaning to the phrase, “the vibes ‘cya done”, and done they did not. It truly was a cultural experience with the musicians vocally answering back the music every so often and I enjoyed the performance start to end, almost forgetting to take notes. After the intermission where audience members gushed about the fine music they were privy to, it was back to the MSU Jazz Orchestra who played tunes in the same vein as the ones before, soloing and breaking it down for us one more time.
The final piece, consisting of the UTT Big Band and MSU Jazz Orchestra musicians was “The Incredibles”, from the Pixar film. I had seem this performed by the UTT Big Band before and therefore had high hopes for the combined effort. What a marvelous way to end the show. It was an epic, interesting and lively piece performed well by all involved.
I believe that there is a common misconception in Trinidad and Tobago that anything foreign is automatically better. I sincerely hope that this show has proven to the Trinbagonians gathered that we can hold our own alongside some of the most internationally acclaimed and that the international arena needs us. We must support our local musicians and artists because this concert proved to me that the caliber of talent within these beautiful twin islands is worth reckoning. Although the auditorium was not as full as I expected or would have liked it to be, I’m sure all in attendance were supremely blown away by their experiencing The UTT Big Band and The MSU Jazz Orchestra.