A few weeks ago I did a short concert tour in Kingston,Jamaica, with the world-famous Jamaican Folk Singers now under the leadership of Christine Nevers-McDonald. It was the group's 45th anniversary celebrations, and my 30th year singing bass and playing guitar with the group. Christine whose mother Marilyn is a foundation member continued the role of taking the group through vocal warm-up just like she did back when group founder Dr. Olive Lewin was at the helm. Hazel Ramsay another founding member took us as usual through physical warm-up onstage.
Instrumental line-up included two drummers (who knew how to do their thing), Sean Hird, BM (Hons) composer,conductor,band-leader and flutist; Jazz/guitar virtuoso Maurice Gordon ( of the current Nylon &Steel duo) and a young student of his rounded out the ensemble. It was a pleasure playing alongside Maurice and observing his take on the classic JFS item: "Monklan".
All in all a great program, kudos to Christine and a stellar cast of young members of the group who combined voice and movements with the "senior"members in delivering that unique Jamaican Folk Singers sound. Looking forward to next year's season.
Watch out for......
"What style do you teach?" Conversations with an eavesdropper at a Miami airport
