f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013

“It Doesn’t Get Too Much Better Than This,” “Calypso Music,” “Oil
And Music,” “The Hammer” and “High Mas.”
Other local acts that performed at this show were guitarist,
Theron Shaw and Friends, which included Michael “Ming” Low
Chew Tung on keyboards and Vaughnette Bigfordon vocals. Clive
Zanda also performed with his band as well as Mike Boothman and
Kysofusion. Tobago band, Caribbean INXS, opened the show with a
mix of pop, contemporary jazz and soca.
The World Music Night also at the Heritage Park on April 24 saw
a number of acts from Tobago and Trinidad taking the stage to offer
from soca and reggae to various eclectic music forms. Calypso Rose,
who celebrated her 69th birthday a couple days after the show
expressed joy over being able to spend her birthday performing for
her, “Tobago family.”
Mama Rose commanded the audience as she performed her
classic calypsoes, recent releases and even some blues, sentimental
songs and reggae. From “Tempo” she moved to ballads such as
“The Green Grass Of Home,” “Before The Next Teardrop Falls” and “I
Can’t Stop Loving You,” to the reggae “Israel By Bus,” then back to
calypso with “Fire Fire.”
Shadow too enjoyed a warm reception from his fellow Tobagonians
as he took them through a journey revisiting several of his many hits
through the years, from his opening song, “Dingolay” to “Tension,”
“Feeling The Feeling,” “One Love” done in a cappella form, “Horn”
and of course “Bassman.” The night also featured performances
by rapso trio 3Canal and the Cut+Clear Band as well as Shurwayne
Winchester and his then new band YOU.
The night of April 25 saw the Jazz on the Greens taking place at the
Heritage Park where a mix of local and regional jazz acts thrilled the
several hundred jazz lovers. Elan Parle led by Michael “Ming” Low
Chew Tung opened the show with a Sonny Rawlins composition, “St
Thomas.” The band comprised Low Chew Tung on piano, Richard
Joseph on drums, David Bertrand on flute/wind controller, Sean
Friday on bass and Ernesto Garcia on percussion, also performed
tunes from the upcoming CD, Jazzcalypso.
Canadian band, CaneFire was scorching from their opening item
keeping the audience cheering and calling for more throughout.
Under the direction of Jeremy Ledbetter the band performed a
blend of eclectic jazz that fused Caribbean rhythms with more
contemporary styles. CaneFire’s repertoire included original pieces,
“Pepper Drink,” “Yannu” and a “gospelypso” entitled “Baptism By
Fire.” Ledbetter said he was inspired to compose it after hearing that
style of music at a church he visited in San Fernando.
Mungal Patasar and Pantar delivered a sterling performance.
While Patasar was introducing the members of his band after a
scintillating performance of “Vani” he was informed that his time
was up. The audience protested and Patasar was given more time.
Patasar’s set included “Dreadlocks” and “Tendonitis.”
Bringing the curtain down on this show was the Cuban jazz band
Bellita Y Jazz Tumbata, which stunned everyone with an exceptional
performance. The band’s bassist was able to play the bass and
congas simultaneously, working the bass with one hand and playing
the drums with the other. Making things even more interesting he
played a cowbell with his foot via a kick pedal.
Sometimes the simple things prove more enjoyable that the most
elaborate. This may be the case with the Tobago Jazz Experience,
which although not as glitzy and glamorous as its predecessor,
was just as entertaining and enjoyable for those that took the time
to attend the various events. The THA plans to expand it just a bit
in 2010. Producer, John Arnold said that even if the Plymouth Jazz
Festival does return, the Tobago Jazz Experience would remain to
provide a platform for our own homegrown, upcoming jazz artistes.
Ella Andall
Mungal Patasar
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