Little did they know that casual dinner conversation one night would end up in a gala concert and produce an album of pan masters. But Trinidadian sons of the soil Ron Reid, Orville Wright and David "Happy" Williams are coming home for a two-night concert to launch their joint CD, Reid Wright and be Happy. The rare event in the musical horizon of Trinidad and Tobago is indeed special. It's the first team effort by the jazz and Pan masters who have already won international acclaim in their careers.
Reid, whose musical journey started at the age of nine, ended up as an Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music in arranging, ensemble and steelpan performance. He still has a very active career as a performer and has graced the stage with the likes of Randy Weston, Carmen Lucky and Chick Corea. He is the founder and musical director of the pan jazz sextet, Sunsteel, which performed a three-night stint at the Lincoln Center, New York, late last year.
Wright has gone from arranging calypsos for military bands to accompanying the likes of Harry Belafonte and American national touring companies such as The Wiz, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Cats. Wright has traveled, taught and played in South Africa, Italy, Malaysia, Puerto Rico and even recorded an album in Japan as a member of the Berklee All Stars. He is considered one of the world's top talents in evaluating arrangements at steelband competitions.
Williams, who studied the bass at the London College of Music, has performed with some all-time greats likes of Gap and Chuck Mangione, Roberta Flack, Quincy Jones, Herb Alpert, Hugh Masekela, Jermaine Jackson, Liberace, Stan Getz, Kenny Barron, Monty Alexander and Cedar Walton. He has made guest appearances on about 20 AVI releases with disco, funk, fusion and pop. He earned a gold record for his disco hit Le Spank in the 70's. A composition of his was also used in the Eddie Murphy film Trading Places.
The album Reid, Wright and be Happy will be launched under the Sanch label. The project took almost two years to come together after the seed for the idea was planted at Simeon Sandiford's home. Sandiford is the managing director of the recording label Sanch Electronix.The Central Bank Auditorium will be transformed for the all-inclusive event to celebrate the talent of the three sons of Trinidad and Tobago and serve a charity at the same time.
Tickets priced at $225 and include cocktails. Part proceeds will go to Scotiabank's Women Against Breast Cancer Fund.
Chef Jacqueline Danclair was hired to produce the exotic French cuisine and Caribbean-flavoured cocktails for the night. Patrons will also get a bonus from artist Kenn Scott who will stage an exhibition for both nights.CD's will also be on sale.
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Simeon
L. Sandiford |
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