Date: 06.22.06

Steelpan Jazz at Lincoln Center
A Success

Rudy Smith Quartet, Caribbean All Stars lead the way

Rudy Smith & Robert Greenidge
put Spotlight on Steelpan Instrument

Steelpan Jazz Concert  2006 In Pictures
 

New York - On Sunday June 18^th 2006 the steelpan  instrument again took front and center at the Fredrick P. Rose Hall - "Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center" located at Columbus Circle in New York.  Abstract Entertainment held its second Steelpan Jazz concert at this upscale arena.  The Father's Day event featuring the world's best steelpan musicians is quickly becoming a  staple in  the tradition of other great New York jazz series.

The show began promptly at 5:05 pm as host Lenny Greene greeted the cheerful crowd.  First up was the Rudy Smith Quartet featuring internationally known jazz steelpanist Rudy Smith.  The Denmark-based Smith originally hails from Port-of-Spain, Trinidad in the Caribbean.  The quartet was made up of Smith, Frankie McIntosh (grand piano), Sean Thomas (drums), and Jonas Tauber (double bass), and performed a forty-five minute set of jazz standards and originals beginning with their rendition of George Gershwin's 'Summertime' as arranged by Rudy Smith that showcased the musicianship of the quartet.

Rudy Smith Quartet set

1. Summertime 2. Ruth's Waltz  (R. Smith original) 3. Be Bach (R. Smith original) 4. Body and Soul 5. Blues for Egar (R. Smith) 6. There will never be another you

The excellent sound qualities of the elliptic-shaped  Rose Hall becomes immediately apparent as soon as one hears the all-acoustic instrument quartet.   For many of the steelpan connoisseurs in the audience this was the first time they were hearing Rudy Smith live.  By the strong applause after each piece, they were not disappointed.  Rudy Smith gave each musician ample space and time to define and establish their own personal relationship with the audience within the confines of the quartet.  This was particularly the case with pianist Frankie McIntosh and bassist Jonas Tauber.  McIntosh, considered by many to be one of the finest musical minds and performers the Caribbean has ever produced, created the musical foundation, structure and atmosphere for much of the set, while Tauber provided an assortment of low textures and colors that contrasted and supported Smith's melodic statements and solos.

Abstract Entertainment, Inc. (AEI), promoters of the Father's Day steelpan jazz show, presented their 2006 Life Time Achievement Award to Mr.  Patrick Thomas.  According to AEI, Mr. Thomas is credited with being the first to put pan on wheels.  The previous award at the 2004 pan jazz show went to Mr. Emmanuel Riley.

Caribbean All Stars set

1. Mr. Magic 2. Jouvert Jam 3. Dance With My father 4. Tobago 5. Stardust 6. On the Street Where You Live 7. Calypso

The Caribbean All Stars took the stage for the second half, featuring steel panist  Robert Greenidge, Ralph MacDonald (percussion), Arturo Tappin (saxophone), Buddy Williams (drums), Miles Robertson (keyboards), Etienne Charles (trumpet), Scott Galt (guitar), Nicholas Brancker (bass) and special guest Rhea (vocalist).  The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the musicians were introduced.  The set opened up with the classic 'Mister Magic' and moved to Robert Greenidge's "J'ouvert Jam" which thrilled the audience.  They were then given a special treat when vocalist Rhea sang Luther Vandross's ever-popular 'Dance With My Father'.  Always a crowd-pleaser Arturo Tappin, returning from the previous Pan Jazz show, wowed the crowd with his composition 'Tobago'.

Ralph MacDonald, one of the all-time music greats, addressed the crowd and reminded them of his Caribbean roots.  The stamp of MacDonald's inimitable percussive sound with the Caribbean All Stars contingent was unmistakable.

Next, the Caribbean All Stars left the stage to allow Robert Greenidge to put the full spotlight on the steelpan instrument as he performed what has become his signature piece - 'Stardust'.  Greenidge did not disappoint as he received a standing ovation from the audience for his solo performance.  The second half would end in a jam session with 'Calypso,' a Nicholas Brancker composition.

New Yorkers have always had an appreciation and special association  with the  steelpan instrument and its music.  This night belonged to the Rudy Smith Quartet and the Caribbean All Stars, who captured the fancy of the audience.  Abstract Entertainment again delivered another upscale musical event spotlighting the steelpan instrument.  The program attendees left the Rose Hall very content and looking forward to the next show.  On this Father's day the hottest ticket in the city that never sleeps, was Steelpan Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Related Stories

• 2004 - Steelpan Jazz at Lincoln Center

Steelpan Jazz Concert  2006 In Pictures

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Contact Abstract Entertainment at http://www.acousticrev.com/contactus.htm  
E-mail: ralph@acousticrev.com   

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