An enchanting evening of jazz

Benjy Myaz shares in the jazz stylings on last Friday. - Michael Sloley

IN AN undoubtedly enchanting setting and atmosphere which embraced the visitors comfortably, Seretse Small and his outstanding jazz ambassadors proved to lovers of jazz that they are consummate jazz musicians when they performed at the Guilt Trip, Orchard Village, Liguanea, on Friday night.

Small and his jazz ambassadors including Harn Graham, Sylvan Solomon, Gerd Bayard, Dale Brown, Junior Baille, Dennis Rushton, Christine Fisher and Benjy Myaz were a part of the final session for the season of monthly jazz jams, spearheaded by Griot Music under the theme "Caribbean Escape." Other jams included "Reaching the Cliff" in honour of Jimmy Cliff; "Tribute to Pan Music" recognising Kitchener and "Tribute to Bob Marley".

Listening and watching the entire Jazz Expose was tremendous. What was also remarkable about the session was that it was a tribute to Monty Alexander, a Jamaican who is considered an icon in the jazz arena.

There is no doubt that jazz and its related forms have reached a peak of popularity. There is an inspirational freshness engendered nowadays by this idiom.

The large gathering was fed with a sumptuous diet of contemporary and traditional jazz stylings. There were some exciting moments when the artistes demonstrated what is known as the 'fragmented' melody. It was a general desire on their part towards refinement, a greater delicacy of musical fabric and coupled with this, a more sophisticated type of playing with much diligence and pride.

The group of musicians displayed a taste for music with different tempi and genre. Their repertoire was quite rich and in instances they paid great attention to detail.

Seretse Small, Alex Martin- Blaken, Dennis Rushton and Junior Baille were at their resplendent best with innovative stylings, leisurely solos and enough tempo changes.

This was an exciting way to have brought the curtains down on the very popular monthly jazz sessions.

­ Justin Whyte

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