Fans thrilled by talent showcased at Jazz Excursion

Patrons enjoyed a Taste of Barbados when the 2022 edition of the Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend opened on Thursday. The musical showcase, which is now in its seventh year, was originally slated to take place at the Hilton Hotel, but due to the inclement weather the festivities were shifted to the Frank Collymore Hall.

The series of concerts is more than an entertainment venture. It was conceptualised as a fundraiser by revered saxophonist Elan Trotman to ensure that local children continue to be afforded the opportunity to gain experience to play an instrument through his Headstart Music Programme. The event not only features an eclectic range of musical artistes but immerses attendees in the island’s tourism product. Another highpoint is the celebrity golf match hosted at the renowned Sandy Lane Golf Course.

After a two-year COVID-19 induced hiatus the concert series made its highly anticipated return and opening night did not disappoint. Some of the students who have benefitted from the tutelage provided under the programme had the opportunity to highlight their skills.

Members of the Headstart Music Program opened the show.

Trotman made his appearance on stage surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colour. Patrons got a glimpse of what Crop Over has to offer when dancers, bedecked in costumes joined by vibrant shaggy bears, snaked their way through the auditorium to meet Trotman on stage for his dynamic intro. Agile stilt men added to the feeling of merriment and some of the attendees, unfamiliar with the festival, lapped up the show. This initial night was conceptualised to expose the music lovers who came to the island specifically for this extravaganza to the wealth of talent that resides on these shores, and they were not disappointed.

During the 2019 grand finale the audience was enamoured with the trio of pannists Mark Forde, Judah Goddard  and  Hashim Durant. That incredible performance secured them a place on the main stage for opening night. In their solo pieces they each gave a taste of their musical capabilities. Joined under the moniker Three Pans, the merged talent of three of the island’s most prolific players was magical. Their performance reached fever pitch when they contested a pan battle, much to the delight of their audience ending their set with Ah Feeling by Leadpipe.

GP Horns during their exciting set.

Also delivering an impressive performance was GP Horns. Even though they were without their original  bandmate Jomo Slusher, who was unable to perform after falling sick, they were ably supported by Justin Baird who meshed seamlessly with the group. The essence of Slusher was still present however when they incorporated his original piece Vibes into their package. They too showed their musical genius and were a hit with their Caribbean Medley which paid homage to Arturo Tappin and Nicholas Brancker. Trotman returned to close out the show wowing the crowd with  some of his original pieces including Funkcalypso, Tradewinds and Island Gal.

Patrons still on a high from the stellar show  gathered in the foyer for the after party as they continued to enjoy the musical offerings. Some of the celebrities who will be participating at the  celebrity match were on hand to enjoy the opening night spectacle.

This was just a tease of what
patrons can expect as the weekend progresses. The themed nights will include Ladies’ Night tonight. This all- white party features performances by Kim
Scott and Vaughnette Bigford and 2 Mile Hill.

(STT)