ISSUE 1/MAY 2014
6
On February 1st 2014 The Academy of the Performing Arts (APA) in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) presented to the public a Big Band Concert at the Lord Kitchener Auditorium in the National Academy of the Performing Arts (NAPA). The concert started at 8:03pm on the dot, Michael Cherrie was master of ceremonies of course, the national anthems of both countries were played followed by the opening remarks from the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and the Embassy of the United States of America and then the show began. The stage was beautiful and well lit; the touch of purple light on the brass instruments looked amazing. The show would proceed with the bands playing in this order, MSU Jazz Orchestra and The UTT Big Band combined followed by The UTT Big Band alone then MSU Band alone taking us to intermission. After intermission we heard again from The MSU Jazz Orchestra and finally a show closing combination of MSU and UTT Big Bands.
The music from these bands sounded so crisp and so clean I found myself thinking, God, if only all music could sound like this. The performances surely gave one that “high art” experience. The combination of MSU and UTT was wonderful and the synchronization of the band was on point. The UTT Big Band paid tribute to The Mighty Penguin by playing his song Deputy which was sung by our very own Krisson Joseph, the son of the late Calypsonian. If I didn’t know Krisson could sing I know it now, his voice was astounding and loud and so very clear he’s a natural born calypsonian.
During the show there were solo pieces from the sax and trumpet players. Those solo performances especially from our guest performers; the renowned musicians Mr. Diego Rivera and Mr. Etienne Charles brought literal life to the idiom ‘music to my ears’. Trinidadian born Etienne Charles is Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the MSU College of Music and an alumnus of the Julliard School. He has received critical acclaim for his exciting performances and knack for connecting with audiences’ worldwide. Mr. Rivera is also an instructor at MSU and has been called a vital new voice on the saxophone. His performances have taken him throughout North America, Russia and Japan. These two performers clearly showed why they are so well acclaimed and they delivered music that would have a deaf man dancing. Their talent and skill shows no bounds and it was an honour and privilege to hear
them play.
At the end of the show, I can safely say the concert was spectacular, the audience was responsive, heads and feet were bobbing in time with the music. The music was clear, crisp and smooth. I was proud that my island and my school have such talented musicians capable of performing with some of the worlds’ best and delivering such a heart-warming and wonderful experience. I look forward to
seeing another Big Band concert again in the future.
UTT AND MSU BIG BAND CONCERT REVIEW
BY JOVON-TARIQUE BROWN