The Tribune

By FARAH
Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

A NEW Bahamian band that started off as a college project will celebrate the release of its first compilation CD this week.

The members of Muin242 group came together in 2013 as part of the College of the Bahamas’ ensemble performance class (MUIN255), led by Dr Christine Gangelhoff. For the group’s final class performance they were tasked with selecting the music, creating the arrangement and putting on a concert.

“We were each assigned to arrange two different Bahamian compositions, in various styles, and to put on a concert of all Bahamian music. After successfully completing two concerts we decided to remain as a group, changing the name to Muin242, incorporating the area code,” Lynden Sands, the band’s manager said.

Muin242 plays popular Bahamian folk and original music but with a twist of their own. The band’s sound is also fused with other genres, including Latin and classical music, which the they said helps create their unique interpretation.

“Our Bahamian selections include classical, folk, spiritual, and popular, but each with our special twist. We are also trying to bring back some of the old Goombay songs and put our spin on them as well,” he told In Ya Ear.

The band’s debut record, “Melodic Conch Salad”, is the result of Muin242’s commitment to the preserve and promote Bahamian music. The CD will be released at the Bahamas National Trust on October 17, beginning at 7pm.

“We wanted to create our own version and unique sound to every song, so we as a group decided to use our individual expertise in various genres to enhance the music. Because we mix so many styles with our own spices we thought it was a musical version of a conch salad,” Lynden said.

“The music is very diverse. It goes from quiet, mellow sounds of a solo saxophone on the sea, to expressive vocals, to upbeat dance feels. We were fortunate enough to work with the legendary producer Terry Manning, who brought our music to an international level and to record in Tower Heights studio with Clifford Cash, who is a talented recording engineer. We are also grateful for the generous support of the Deltec Bank and our lecturers Dr Christine Gangelhoff and Christian Justilien. Without all of these contributions, we could have never made the CD.”

Included on the upcoming record are songs by Blind Blake, Tony Mackay, E Clement Bethel, Christian Justilien, and an original composition by band member Matthew Rolle. The group recreates but also transforms the sounds of traditional Bahamian music.

The group’s version of Blind Blake’s “O Carolie” is a highlight of both the CD and of their performances.

Artists like E Clement Bethell, Christian Justilien, C Force, Blind Blake have all inspired the group, Lynden said.

The members of Muin242 include Lynden Sands (artistic director/soprano saxophone), Matthew Rolle (music director/bass guitar and vocals), Gillard Louis (percussion) Leslie Forbes (piano) Elvin Hanna (tenor saxophone and vocal) and Reubandero Gibson (trumpet).
Fans can expect a number of performances from the band in the near future.

For more information on Muin 242, log onto https://www.facebook.com/MUIN242.