The Few
Leighton Williams, Staff Reporter
MANY are called to the music ministry. However, only The Few has chosen to do gospel rock music in a land that is dominated by reggae.
The Few is a gospel band made up of Ryan Forrester, Joel Bain, Vincent Hamilton and Warren Harris and they have been around for close to five years.
"We wanted to do something different, but we never started out intending to become a rock group. It happened that way. We were founded in 1997 and made our first performance in that same year," said band leader and guitarist Joel Bain
While the group stands out as possibly Jamaica's only gospel rock band, Bain points out to date that it has been a struggle to gain recognition locally.
"People are unfamiliar with rock music in Jamaica. They are not hostile towards us, but they are unfamiliar with the music," he said.
The unfamiliarity of the music has impacted on the group somewhat, since they have found it difficult to become regular performers on concerts. Bain points out that they have had to create their own shows in order to get themselves established and have a chance of getting into the mainstream.
"It has been a real struggle keeping this band together, as well as breaking into the mainstream. We've also had to deal with the problem of finances as well," Joel said.
Despite that, the group has gone about establishing itself elsewhere. In the talent search for Kingdom Bound 2000 (a Christian Rock Band Festival in the United States), the group managed to come out on top in a field of 10 contestants. In fact, this triumph landed them a chance to open the festival the following year, where they also did well.
Aside from that, they have managed to make a name for themselves in several churches at home and abroad. To date, they have performed at churches in Kingston and Montego Bay, as well as New York. Joel Bain points out they write their songs, since they respect the work of others. "We focus our energy on creating our own music. Songwriters have the opportunity to tell people about culture and the love of God, as well as things that happen around them," he said.
Still, the group has continued on its path to gain recognition. Joel told The Sunday Gleaner that he gives God the praise whenever he is commended for his music. He however adds that he is motivated by the encouragement that he receives from persons who see the band perform.
