Haiti, We Love You – Pauline Jean and Her Sisters in Jazz too (updated April 05)

Haiti, We Love You

The world now revolves around Haiti as peoples from the four corners of the globe mobilize in response to the tremendous human suffering wreaked upon it by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake of January 12, 2010.

Central to this outpouring of support is music.  Artists from across all genres have already begun to lend their talents and star power to draw in support, in cash and in kind, for our brothers and sisters who occupy one-third of the island of Hispaniola that they share with the Dominican Republic.

Not to be left out of the loop, Jazz artists are no more swinging their axes, blowing their horns, wielding their sticks, beating their drum heads and exercising their pipes just because, but rather for the cause.

For instance, Haitian Jazz artist Pauline Jean, instead of preparing for her tour to Haiti for the International Festival de Jazz de Port-au-Prince, was otherwise engaged with Project S – “Sisters in Jazz” in putting on a Benefit Concert for Haiti Earthquake Relief.  The Tuesday, January 19 Exclusive that resulted from this collaboration was held at Tutuma Social Club, New York, NY.

Joining Jean were five other lead females, drummer Shirazette Tinnin, bassist Mimi Jones, keyboardist Miki Hayama, saxophonist Camille Thurman and percussionist Paula Green with support from Luis Perdomo on keys and Obed Jean Louis on guitar.

The Pauline Jean Quintet and other Talented Artists United for the Cause, performed at MIZIK POU AYITI/Music For Haiti Benefit Concert on Friday, January 29 at the Dweck Center for Contemporary Culture, Brooklyn Public Library.

PAULINE JEAN, Miriam Sullivan (b), Elio Villafranca (p) photos: Gregg Richards

Pauline Jean Quintet performing traditional Haitian folk song YOYO

…and Pauline Jean Quintet performing “Dey/Rasenbleman” (Mourning/Gathering Calls) by Toto Bissainthe (below)

The evening of music in support of relief efforts in Haiti also featured Buyu Ambroise (with Paul Beaudry, Steeve Belvilus and Allan Mednard in the Blues in Red Band), Mozayik, Jean Caze, Markus Schwartz (Tanbou Nan Lakou Brooklyn), Chardavoine, Melanie Charles, The Altino Brothers, Lou Rainone, Tiga Jean Baptiste and more…

All proceeds will be donated to the Yéle Haiti Earthquake Fund.

Jean gets back to her charitable ways at il Casale Italian Bar, Belmont, Massachusetts on Monday, March 15  2010 with Her Sisters in Jazz band (Pauline Jean (vocals), Mimi Jones (bass), Shirazette Tinnin (drums), Miki Hayama (keys) and Paula Green (percussion).

Heritage and Heart for Haiti will celebrate the vibrancy and history of Haitian culture through its music and art.  Pauline Jean and the Sistas will perform classic Haitian music while narrating the long-term needs of the Haitian people who have become victim to the devastating earthquake of January 12.

Part proceeds are earmarked for the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

Canadian flautist Jane Bunnett, who was due to perform at the International Festival de Jazz de Port-au-Prince from this weekend, had a cause of her own to fulfill on January 28, 2010.   Bunnett organized a fundraiser for that day at the Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas St. W, Toronto to, as she told InsideToronto, “…make as much money as we can…to go to Doctors Without Borders.”  Her assemblage comprised of the Spirits of Havana with special guest Hilario Durán and others.

More than that, Bunnett has pledged to do a whole series of such fundraisers for the people of Haiti.   Thus, the same soprano sax that would have wowed the Port-au-Prince Jazz fraternity from January 23-30  sounded a clarion call to Jazz Fans in Toronto to reach out on January 28 and lend their helping hands.

Jane Bunnett has a history with Cuba, which serves as a hub of sorts for her Latin forays.  Several collaborations with Cuban and other Latin musicians have resulted from that relationship. Interestingly, she became inadvertently tied to the Haitian experience through musicians of Haitian origin who migrated to Cuba.

Now we go across the waters to Jamaica for an example of Haitians helping Haitians.  Singer, songwriter and producer JeanPaul Solomonoff, born to a Haitian mother and a Russian Polish Jewish father, performed with Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander at the 2010 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Jan. 28th.  All proceeds are destined for the Clinton/Bush Haiti Fund.

JeanPaul teaming up with Alexander was not an ad hoc pairing by any means.  In fact, Alexander appears on JeanPaul’s début single Eyes for You from a forthcoming album entitled Introducing JeanPaul.  The single drops on iTunes on February 14, 2010.  I figure it might well be a Valentine for Haiti.

Heading further south into the Caribbean Sea, Barbadian musician/artists undertook a massive Relief Concert and Telethon on Saturday, January 30 from mid-morning til nightfall.  From first glance, one would think that every single singer of songs and player of instruments were lined up backstage at Farley Hill to touch nerves and coax the goodness out of the pockets of their country folk.

Haiti, Barbados Loves You – Relief Concert and Telethon was an eight-hour marathon featuring 114 local Barbadian artistes and 7 bands.  David Rudder, the special guest for the occasion, was no doubt a must-have on the strength of his “Haiti” apology.

These hundred plus artists ran the gamut of Gospel, R&B/Alternative, Spouge, Reggae/Dancehall, Calypso/Soca and, yes, the Jazz of Kellie Cadogan, Arturo Tappin, Nicholas Brancker and  Marisa Lindsay.

The other women and men of honour are:

• Allison Norville, De Warrior, Hozia Hinds, Kareem Clarke, Lillian Lorde, Mya Daniel, Paula Hinds, Shane Forrester and Sister Marshall from the Gospel field;
• Carolyn Leacock, Dwayne Husbands, Kirk Browne & Strategy, Omar McQuilkin, Philip 7, Ria Borman, Richard Stoute, Rosie Hunte, RubyTech, TC, Toni Norville and Kim Derrick from the R&B/Other Alternative field;
• Kirtorah, Mike Grosvenor, Mike Thompson and Tony Grazette from the Spouge field;
• Albert Olton, Brimstone, Buggy, Danielle, Fully Loaded, LRG, Oracle, Prosperity, Ras Al-I, Seth Billy, Super Ruben, Tabitha, Black-Clay-Soil from the Reggae/Dancehall field;
• Adrian Clarke, Allan Sheppard, Colin Spencer, Edwin Yearwood, Gabby, Grynner, John King, Khiomal, Little Rick, Mikey, Mr. Dale, Natalee, RPB (Red Plastic Bag), Merrymen, AC, Dazzle, Sir Raule from the Calypso/Soca field;

The MCs for the marathon are Ferdinand Nicholls, Peter Coppin, Admiral Nelson, Jamar Browne and Mac Fingall.

From Barbados in the middle of the Lesser Antillean arc, we make a great big loop to the north-western end of the Caribbean region.  We land in the Cayman Islands where the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Grand Cayman organized Cayman’s Jazz musicians for Haiti.

The island’s Grand Old House, on Wednesday, February 03, was ground zero for a silent auction Haiti Relief effort featuring saxophonist Gary Ebanks and Leyannes Valdes, Chris Bowring, Big Eye Squirrel and Cool School.

Swedish Jazz musician Ed Epstien, a friend of the Woodshed Collective from early, has mobilized the Jazz fraternity over there for a Haiti benefit tentatively scheduled for February 13 at Martas Cafe in Lund, Sweden.  Weeks in the making, Ed tells us that “it looks like it is finally going to happen.”  We do hope it does, Ed.

Coming back around from the Caymans, we touch base with the Haiti Community Support (HCS) of the United States Virgin Islands.  The HCS had been active in their support of Haiti for seven years before the earthquake struck and were already in the habit of mounting an annual Fundraiser and Family Fun Day to fund the school that they built, a hot lunch programme for the 200 pupils at that school, a medical clinics that has been treating quake victims from day 3 and water projects.

This year, the HCS held its seventh fundraiser on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Mt. Victory Camp in Federicksted, St. Croix, not as a one-off event, but with a special mission to raise US$80,000 over the entire year.  This project, called “Eighty for Haiti” will go towards maintaining the clinics over the long run.

Of course, no fundraiser would be complete without music.  So for the Jazz, in came the VI Rhythm Section; for the Quelbe/Fungi/Scratch/Folk (call it what you will), Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, for a swing through Cuban Son, there was Seite Son…and the list goes on.

Show your love to Haiti by lending a hand…

Vox pop Jazz: St. Croix Blue Bay Jazz Fest 2007

 

 

I am indeed flattered that two phrases (in bold) from woodshedentertainment were incorporated into and published as part of the following Jazz News report, which was subsequently carried by All About Jazz, both resources that I go to frequently for information.  I refer here to the first sentence and the final paragraph of the following story.  I have to point out though that I am not a “St. Croix jazz enthusiast,” as much as I would like to be considered a Cruzan by virtue of my Caribbean birth.

___________________________________________

The St. Croix Blue Bay Jazz Fest 2007 let loose a star-studded compact of New Orleans Jazz greats and the very best that St. Croix has on offer in a four-day long event from Thursday, November 15 to Sunday, November 18.  Bridget Dawson, Executive Director of the Frederiksted Economic Development Association, proclaimed the festival the “best event in nearly 20-years on the island, “touting the economic boom to the local downtown economy.

Bill Kassler writes, “Walking up and down Strand Street among the well behaved throng were a veritable who’s who of St. Croix society, with senators, commissioners and characters mingling with musicians and tourists, saying hello to friends, eating drinking and dancing.”

“It looks like the night life is coming back to Frederiksted,” Sen. Terrence “Positive” Nelson said, when cornered in Buddhoe Park on his way to the stage.

The New Orleans Trumpet Summit, composed of the best Big Easy trumpet players, opened with a string of Louis Armstrong and other old-school jazz classics and modern interpretations.  James “12” Andrews and his brother Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews of the large musical Andrews family, Christian Scott and Marlon Jordan of the Jordans, another New Orleans family with several generations of musicians.  The Trumpet Summit sizzled.

Henry Butler, the blind keyboard player from the Crescent City brought the waterside crowd to their feet with a series of rhythm and blues numbers.  “Butler sprinkled his repertoire with tunes that have become emblems of New Orleans and Mardi Gras: Robert Parker’s “All Night Long”, “Hey Pocky-Away”, made famous by the Funky Meters, and Professor Longhair’s street party classics “Going to the Mardi Gras” and “Big Chief.”

Backing up Stephanie Jordan’s lush vocals were sister Rachel on violin, brothers Kent on flute and Marlon on trumpet, Mike Esnault on keyboards, Peter Harris on bass and drummer John Jones. Stephanie held the crowd captured by her silky voice and fluid movements, more than earning the label the “JazzHot!”

Stephanie Jordan and the Jordan Family held true to the straight-ahead jazz style which has become their signature sound.  Opening with “Fly with the Wind, ” Kent Jordan used the tune to show his range on the piccolo while Marlon’s feature on “The Great City” exposed St. Croix to his encyclopedic knowledge of the entire jazz trumpet tradition.

The Jordan Family paid special tribute to their late uncle, jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste, performing two selections, one from Batiste’s Music D’Afique suite and the latter from the Marsalis Music Honors Alvin Batiste CD.  Stephanie led the group in an up-tempo bounce blues of “My Life Is a Tree” which had the crowd tapping and singing along to the vocals (a message about steadfastness) written by Edith Batiste.  On “Glimpses”, Rachel played a stunning violin solo which had the audience mesmerized in a trance-like state.

This year’s inaugural Blue Bay Jazz Fest was dedicated to the memory of the late clarinetist Alvin Batiste who died at 74 on May 6, 2007.  While the ideal for the New Orleans-themed festival was hatched in St. Croix and (nurtured) by Dawson, it was Alvin and New Orleans’ Vincent Sylvain (who) teamed (up) for the suggestion of selected artists.

“We had so much fun on St. Croix we hate to go back home,” said trumpeter Christian Scott in a pre-show interview.  “St Croix’s culture, architecture and cuisine are really special,” Scott told interviewer Carol Buchanan.  Scott said his music blurs the lines between neo-soul, indie rock and 19th century Western classical music.  His sextet performed selections such as “Like That” from their latest CD, “Anthem.”

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and his band Orleans Avenue, got the evening heated up with funk, pop, hip-hop and a mix of jazz in tunes “I Want My Money Back, ” “Orleans Claiborne” and “Act Bad 5th Ward Weebie.”

Their performance transcended generations.  “This is doin’ it”, said Harold DeMund, dancing with his wife Norma, both in their 60s.

“These young lions amaze me,” said Jerry Jones, DJ from Mongoose radio 104.9, and master of ceremonies for jazz fest.  “It sounds like they have been playing and playing together for 40 or 50 years.”

Saturday’s headliner Donald Harrison Jr. and his band started off set with Louis Armstrong’s classic tune, “What a Wonderful World.”  Their rendition of the Jackson Five’s “Want You Back” got the crowd shaking.  Joining alto saxophonist Harrison in a jam session was pianist Henry Butler, Harrison’s nephew Scott and Andrews.

The week began on Thursday, November 15 with an invitation-only Hugo to Katrina benefit hosted by the United States Virgin Islands Governor John deJongh Jr. and FEDA at the Government House in St. Croix.  Lieutenant Governor Gregory Francis welcomed the New Orleans musicians and thanked them for sharing their musical talents with the people of St. Croix. He spoke of the many similarities between New Orleans and St. Croix.

“All the seats on flights to St. Croix are full and hotels are close to capacity”, added Rupert Ross, chairman of the board of directors of FEDA.  “St Croix is a sleeping giant awakening and we’re making it happen.”  Entertainment at the Governor’s Ballroom was provided by St. Croix’s Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights with a cameo performance by New Orleans’ Donald Harrison.

“All in all, the Blue Bay Jazz Fest promises to become a major event on the Caribbean’s Jazz calendar so long as the producers can come up with exciting rosters in the future as was conceived for this year’s edition.  The concept, New Orleans style, is unprecedented in our region to my knowledge” according to a St. Croix (?) jazz enthusiast.

St. Croix Blue Bay Jazz Fest 2007 closed Sunday, November 18

The St. Croix Blue Bay Jazz Fest 2007 let loose a star-studded compact of New Orleans Jazz greats and the very best that St. Croix has on offer in a four-day long event from Thursday, November 15 to Sunday, November 18.  To start off, United States Virgin Islands Governor John deJongh Jr. and the Frederiksted Economic Development Association hosted a Hugo to Katrina benefit at Government House in St. Croix on Thursday, November 15.

This year’s inaugural fest was dedicated to the memory of the late clarinetist Alvin Batiste, sometimes called the “New Orleans clarinetist,” who died at 74 on May 6, 2007.  His wife was on hand on Saturday, November 17 to recite a poem in his honour.  

Conceptualised by Crucian Jazz enthusiast Carmelo Rivera who wanted to transcend Sunset Jazz, a long-running showcase for local Jazz musicians on the Frederiksted Waterfront, the Blue Bay Jazz Fest 2007 opened, for all intents and purposes, with Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights.  STSK provided the entertainment for the invitation-only cast of 150 in the Governor’s Ballroom.

Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights were back on stage again on Friday, November 16 with their distinctive blend of Quelbe and Jazz.  But this time the STSK was in cahoots with the Don Moors Ensemble.  Don Moors, a percussionist, would later accompany Donald Harrison on Saturday, November 11. 

On this Friday night also, The Eddie Russell Quelbe Latin Jazz Band held court at Pier 69.    These acts followed the main Nawleanian personalities, pianist Dr. Henry Butler and chanteuse Stephanie Jordan and the Jordan Family, a band that included Marlon Jordan on trumpet and his brother Kent on flute.   

Saturday, November 17 was headlined by Troy (Trombone Shorty) Andrews, Christian Scott and Donald Harrison.

    Christian Scott (CRISTIAN SIMESCU of The VI Daily News)                                          

  

    Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue perform Saturday

The Sunday Jazz Jams, which took place at Cane Bay (Jazz on the Bay) and at Christiansted (Christiansted Town Crawl) were preceded by a Jazz Vespers worship service in the morning.

All in all, the Blue Bay Jazz Fest promises to become a major event on the Caribbean’s Jazz calendar so long as the producers can come up with exciting rosters in the future as was conceived for this year’s edition.  The concept, New Orleans style, is unprecedented in our region to my knowledge.  (Correct me if I am wrong.) 

There are lots more concepts to be plucked from the Jazz tree and they should be pursued vigorously.  There is certainly a niche market for this, I believe.  I have already marked my 2008 calendar; it is just for the folks out there in St. Croix to fill in the blanks for me.

But after all that, I am still not sure that the Crucian Jazz musicians got a fair shake as they would have had they enjoyed a much greater presence on the Main Stage.  The “Out-fest” Jazz Jams are fine.  However, as the name implies, an “Out-fest” is just that “by the way.”  I am confident that this will be worked on for 2008 and beyond.