The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

KICKING off its 2014 series last week, “Jazz at Jacaranda” welcomed and entertained scores of jazz lovers to its “First Sundays” event.

The monthly “Jazz at Jacaranda: First Sundays” show has become a highly anticipated event on the entertainment calendar for Bahamian jazz aficionados.

The brainchild of husband and wife team, Clinton Crawford and Naomi Taylor-Crawford, the event aiMrs to be an opportunity for musicians and jazz enthusiasts to come out and hear and see that there is a jazz network here on the island.

“Unfortunately, our country is limited when it comes to artistically-driven venues where we can enjoy a live, straight-ahead jazz performance on a regular basis,” said Mrs Taylor-Crawford.

“Jacaranda House may actually be the only outlet for local jazz lovers. As a result of this, when we opened our 2014 ‘Jazz at Jacaranda’ series, we saw an outpouring of supporters who were anxious for an opportunity to once again hear this music played live.”

Mrs Taylor-Crawford said the grounds of Jacaranda House were packed with patrons, attracting a mixed crowd of different ages, nationalities and political persuasions.

The response, she said, was overwhelming.
The poolside concert kicked off promptly at 6pm with a cr�me de la cr�me selection of local jazz musicians playing tunes from the Great American Songbook.

The band’s rhythm section included Clinton Crawford as band leader and on the keyboard; Adrian D’Aguilar on the double bass; Rodney Simpson on the guitar, and Kevin Dean on drums; along with a horn section including Tino “Sheep” Richardson on the alto saxophone; Yonell Justillien on trumpet, and Dion Turnquest playing the tenor saxophone.

The band accompanied a line-up of both new and experienced vocalists who all had their own unique, distinct sound. Mrs Taylor-Crawford opened the evening with the saucy Nina Simone standard, “My Baby Just Cares For Me”, followed by the Nat King Cole favourite, “Route 66”.

Additional performances included the soothing sounds of Anja Bowe and the warm, sultry tones of Linda Osborn, a first-time singer at Jacaranda, but a quick favourite.

One of the many highlights was a vocal trio which took the audience back in time with a melodic three-part harmonisation of Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo”.
There was also a performance by the Taylor Brothers, a now popular duo at Jacaranda.

Visiting master jazz pianist Dr Roy Goodman, of Maryland, was in the audience and was invited to sit in for a few tunes.
“It was a totally enjoyable experience for the musicians who were clearly inspired by a gracious audience who would often burst into a vibrant applause after an intriguing solo,” said Mrs Taylor-Crawford.

“The audience was obviously listening intently and with great anticipation of what would be coming next on the line-up. The audience’s positive energy lent to a high degree of musical creativity among the musicians.”

After launching the event in 2012 as a summer series, Mrs Taylor-Crawford said there was an overwhelming demand for the concerts to continue. The husband and wife duo decided to keep it going as a monthly show, and amazingly, Mrs Taylor-Crawford said, there are many supporters who have not missed a single show since 2012.

“It’s hugely encouraging to see the recurring guests, and equally as inviting to meet new faces. We have seen this event bring people from all walks of life together and it’s grown into a lovely community of jazz lovers. The connections between our young and experienced local musicians is equally as encouraging, as they explore the vast depth of this wonderful world of jazz,” she said.

Mrs Taylor-Crawford said a good number of young, aspiring jazz musicians come out regularly with their instruments and look forward to having an opportunity to play and jam with the band at “Jazz at Jacaranda”.

“This cross collaboration of new and experienced talent is refreshing. One of the main objectives is to positively influence and motivate young musicians, and the venue provides a perfect opportunity for them to gain exposure while learning,” said Mrs Taylor-Crawford.
Prior to the launch of the Jacaranda concerts, Mrs Taylor-Crawford said they were forced to travel abroad to listen to live jazz.

Based on the instant success of the event, she said it became obvious that there were indeed many local enthusiasts who were craving live music.

“What is truly encouraging is the amount of new faces we see at our concerts each month and the mixed ages of our audience. Through this music we are attracting the interests of more and more locals, and in particular young people who are eager to explore the diversity of this historic art form. We are beyond happy to see this growing interest by others who are searching for a more invigorating musical experience,” said Mrs Taylor-Crawford.

And what people have seen to date from “Jazz at Jacaranda” is just a tip of the iceberg, Mrs Taylor-Crawford promises.

She said thankfully the world of jazz is massive so there is no need to be repetitive. She said they will continue to explore and provide the local audiences with music that is innovative, fun and expressive.

“During this year, we will continue to highlight young talent, and supporters can look out for a line-up of musical icons that would not typically be seen in the jazz arena. To say the least, our 2014 series will be enjoyable and memorable,” she said.

Mrs Taylor-Crawford said she is also looking forward to the upcoming “All That Jazz” weekend in Eleuthera later this month.

“It will be a magical jazz long weekend on the beautiful island Eleuthera. Eleuthera will be buzzing with various high-energy performances and concerts that will take place throughout the Governor’s Harbour area. All profits from the jazz concerts and events will go to the Haynes Library,” said Mrs Taylor-Crawford.