Tobago-born jazz-soul singer Ju-né Toney wowed the audience early and Bajan saxophonist Elan Trotman thrilled them later on, as the 2023 jazz season kicked off in earnest last weekend with the 18th edition of Production One Ltd's Jazz Artists on the Greens (JAOTG).
Coolers, chairs and fans in tow, patrons assembled at the spacious WASA Sports and Cultural Club Grounds on Farm Road in Valsayn from as early as 3 pm to make sure of their preferred seating positions ahead of the start.
[caption id="attachment_1008561" align="alignnone" width="1024"] These female patrons enjoyed the special flavour of Johnny's Young Coconuts during the Jazz Artists on The Greens event last Saturday. - Overtime Media[/caption]
The Caribbean Steelpan Connexion set up near the entrance and welcomed early patrons with an outstanding set sounding so good that many of the audience and event staff remarked they should have their own set onstage next year.
A big grey cloud hovered and threatened to dampen the proceedings, before saluting the power of jazz with a mere sprinkle at sunset and then dissipating into the evening sky.
Iconic artist, composer and educator Dean Williams opened the batting on the main stage with a colourful offering of his original pieces Tanzania, A Woman’s Sweetness, Piece of Your Love, Super Speed and Li Jwé Gita, before his quartet accompanied "D Piano Girl" Johanna Chuckaree. She delivered a taste of Carnival on the back end of her four-piece combo, complete with her own piercing and signature vocals.
The crimson sunset on the western horizon was no match for the powerful delivery of Ju-né Toney as she illuminated the Republic Bank-sponsored Songbird Stage twice and inspired contemporaries Vaughnette Bigford and John John to get out of their seats in genuine appreciation for her exquisite delivery. Booked to perform at JAOTG since 2020, but postponed by the pandemic, Toney earned awe and praise from the gathering.
"It's amazing to be back on stage and to be here at Jazz on The Greens finally," she told MikeOnTheMicTT Vlogger, Michael Ramsingh in The Green Room after her first set. "I didn't feel any jitters – I think I rehearsed enough over the past two years waiting for this moment!"
[caption id="attachment_1008559" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Pannist, Andy Narell performs alongside the Theron Shaw Project during the Jazz Artists on The Greens. - Overtime Media[/caption]
MC Jayson "Rawkus" Remy kept the information flowing throughout the evening as he introduced the performers, curated the door-prize presentations with Green Room presenter Staci-Ann Patrick and mingled with the crowd, greeting industry colleagues and corporate executives.
Veteran pannist Andy Narell returned to the stage in TT for the first time in many years and once again thanked the population for creating the instrument that would fuel his passion, consume his attention and dictate his life's work. Paying tribute to long and recently deceased calypso icons Aldwyn Roberts and Leroy Calliste with versions of Margie and K
