“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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