Music

Anguillian national, Alfred W. Gumbs, who began his musical career in the 1960s with a then primitive but popular band comprising keg drums, a bath pan for bass, maracas, a guitar and a microphone, is today a leading reggae song-writer, singer and musician with a positive message. In the early days he ventured into calypso as one of his art forms and was known as the “Mighty Condor”. His other associations included his religious singing group called “Alfred and the Alfredos.”

Following the individual concerts from students of Morlens Music Studio during the past year, on Sunday November 25, the students came together for The Finale at the St Augustine Anglican Church. Solo performances on the piano, flute, saxophone, clarinet and trumpet were followed by duets, trios and then the entire group playing Amazing Grace and If We Hold On Together which received a well deserved standing ovation from the packed audience.

Anguillians and others of all ages had a thrilling experience when they flocked to the Parkway at the National Bank of Anguilla for jazz music there on Friday, November 9, as the three-day Annual Tranquillity Jazz Festival got underway at several locations on the island.

It was probably the first time that a definition for jazz was given as a captive audience listened to the performances of the musicians.

The Anguilla Tranquility Jazz festival, an annual event, is gaining fame in the world of music. The line-up for this year’s event was quite impressive but not as impressive as their performances throughout the four-day event. With the slogan, “Straight, No Chaser,” this is the 5th year the festival has taken place on our humble island and every year continues to get better. Not only was there international superstars of jazz, but much of our local talent was showcased as well.

This year the Concert Band of the Music Department of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School is a special feature in the Anguilla Tranquillity Jazz Festival which runs from Thursday November 8 to Sunday November 11.

Anguillian jazz vocalist, Jaine Rogers, will now be having her first album on the market and the seeds are being sown for one or more young great drummers to emerge from the school system into the community and the musical world.

World famous trumpeter Louis Armstrong, affectionately known as Satchmo, once said…”I never tried to prove nothing, just wanted to give a good show …’cause what you’re there for is to please the people”.

Glenford Romney, an employee at Flag Luxury Properties is a proud young man, having established himself and his musical group as popular performers with their new CD entitled “LIFE.”

With over forty years of experience and over 150 awards Byron Lee & the Dragonaires (BL&D) continues to command respect and admiration world-wide. A band that has worked hard to forge a Caribbean blend of music with its mix of reggae, soca, flavour of ska, rockstaedy and rock and roll, BL&D has become a household name in the West Indian communities around the world with their international success rivaling many major bands. Since his debut single “Dumplins” in 1960, Byron Lee has grown a successful, enduring career and has become an entertainment legend.

As the Morlens Recital Series rolls on, pianist Elson Richardson will be the next performer at the St.Augustine’s Anglican Church in East End. Like all the other performances, this promises to be an afternoon well spent with a multitalented pianist. Elson has been studying piano for the past eight years at the Morlens studio and has shown a rare talent, aptitude and virtuosity at the piano. His repertoire will feature contemporary arrangements of popular hymns flavored with light classics and ragtime favourites.

A piano recital featuring Kandyce Smith was held at the St Augustine Anglican Church on Sunday May 20. The performance was one in the series presented by the Morlens Music Studio that features students of the Studio. It was attended by a large number of family, friends and visitors.

Pianist Chrystal Duncan will take the stage next in the Morlens Recital Series 2006 - 2007. Chrystal will perform a predominantly classical and sacred repertoire flavoured with light jazz and contemporary pieces.

Guitar students in the Anguilla Stingray Music Programme were in for a treat when master bluegrass musician Richard Hefner recently visited the class at the Athlyi Rogers Study Centre.

NEW YORK (February 10, 2007) – Three of America’s emerging jazz stars, who performed at the 2005 Anguilla Tranquility Jazz Festival, are jazzing up BET J’s airwaves, the fruit of a partnership between the television network and Concord Music Group.

The Anguilla Community Foundation will be presenting its Annual Classical Music Concert at the Bethel Methodist Church on Wednesday, February 21, commencing at 7.30 p.m.

As the music continues in the Morlens Recital Series, another talented performer is set to present her brand of music to the usual large and appreciative audience. Ojeda Vanterpool, who is studying piano and clarinet at the Morlens Music Studio, will present her recital on both instruments on Sunday February 25, 5:30 pm at the St. Augustine’s Anglican Church in East End.

This year, Anguilla’s internationally-known entertainer, Bankie Banx, is catering for up to five thousand fans for next month’s Moonsplash and the Tourist Board, which is promoting various annual festivals, is assisting him with some of the financing.

Anguillian popular country singer, Evan Webster, has released a new Gospel CD entitled “My Favourite Songs.” It is his fourth CD and comprises eleven Gospel favourites produced in his own unique style.

Journey of Promises was the theme of a song presentation by the St. Augustine’s Chorale which closed out 2006 on December 31 and was attended by a capacity crowd at the Anglican Church at East End.