Q: How long have you been performing?
Q: What are your most memorable performances?
A: Ther e’s a little story surrounding that question. Though I’ve
A: I’ve played for gospel artist ‘Luckey’ and closest friend for years
loved the bass from childhood my first opportunity to have access to
and toured the world with her. One time we performed at a concert
one came when I dedicated myself to Christ as a young man. One
in the US where we did a couple songs with just vocals and bass, a
Sunday in 1993 I asked my then pastor Reverend Ronald Sinanan if
lot of it was spontaneous harmonizing. The response was amazing.
he would get a bass guitar for the church. He asked me in a deep
What started off as deafening silence turned into crying, people
ser ious tone “if the church purchased a bass would you dedicate to
reaching out to GOD and so many people wanted to know more
playing it?” Being a generally shy guy I modestly replied “oh yes
about Jesus just from that performance.
Sir” whilst inside I was about to collapse with excitement. A few
Alternative Quartet and play at Jazz Festivals with them. I have so
days later he went and got a red Palmer 4 string with no hesitation.
much fun with that group. Earlier in 2014 we performed at a jazz
He gave me unlimited access to the church and by the next Sunday I
festival where the audience didn’t allow us to leave the stage, encore
was playing in our church service. I never looked back. I spent
after encore. I’ve grown accustomed to AQ and encores but
I also tour with the
countless hours playing, bonding with the bass and after one year in
hibernation, main gospel acts in Trinidad approached me to play for
this one was different and funny.
them. So I started performing alongside some of these artistes in
Q: What is the crowd response like when you perform and
1995, approaching 20 years. Pastor Ronald Sinanan invested into
play bass?
my life and my purpose that day, and I am eternally thankful that he
never suppressed me, but encouraged me to expand my horizons as
a musician and be great. What a leader!
A: Inter estingly enough, I’ve never been booed. Even at
times when I thought I deserved it J. There are always those
performances that don’t go right, but generally I get
Q: Where have you performed?
everything from screams, cheers and whistles to tears and
A: Apar t fr om locally, and I mention ‘locally’ first because I love
somber responses to my playing. I never take it for granted. I
my country, I’ve played at gospel concerts and jazz festivals in the
honour the audience for supporting me by giving my best
Caribbean, the US and Europe. Had a great time at the Naniki Jazz
always and connecting with them on stage. What I cherish
Fest right here in Barbados earlier in 2014 too J
the most though is when I get people to worship GOD though
my playing.
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