ISSUE 1/MAY 2014 5
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.