One of the mandates of the Barbados Jazz Society is the support of up and coming young Jazz musicians through the music program at the Barbados Community College.
The first fundraiser was held in July at the Member’s Mingle at the home of President Anne Smith where a trio of BCC-trained musicians entertained over 40 members and guests. Saxophonist Mylon Clarke, guitarist Darren Massiah, and bassist Lorin Brathwaite offered an interesting mix of old standards like Ellington’s “Take the A Train” and Coltrane’s “Impressions” along with Caribbean renditions of newer pieces such as “Blue Bossa” and “C-Jam Blues”. The highlight was an original composition by the guitarist Mylon Clarke entitled “Polka Dot Panties”.
Members gave generously toward the instruments fund and the presentation to the BCC was made on the spot. The evening ended with a rousing Jazz Jeopardy Quiz put together by BJS Executive members Cheryl Bertrand and Barry Taylor, with two teams showing off their Jazz knowledge.
The BJS will be holding more such evenings to add to the student instruments fund.
