Danny Engoba, Les Coeurs Brisees
Senor Mandril, Giraldo Piloto & Klimax
Ronald “Boo” Hinkson & Friends
The Royal St. Lucia Police Band
Harvey Millar

@ Fond D'Or Nature & Heritage Park
St. Lucia Jazz Festival
3 May 2008

Click an image to enlarge (top & right side)

For the first time in 17 years of St Lucia Jazz the opening was held away from Castries (the capital) causing much local controversy, as well as a few raised eyebrows from regular island visitors.

This was an afternoon / evening programme held at the natural east coast venue – A 30 minute scenic drive from the capital city of St Lucia. Patrons relaxed under the hot afternoon sun. A varied music set was on offer amongst the historic remains of an old mill. You could sit in the shade if you so wish and look down on the sloping land towards the raised stage. Though visitor numbers were clearly down on previous opening events, Island visitors and locals relaxed, chatted and enjoyed the sun, food and ambience.

The Royal St. Lucia Police Band

The Royal St. Lucia Police Band started proceedings with their own style of blues, jazz, local quadrille and meringue. With three new female members on board they seemed to have extra vigour. They continued with a zouk (French style soka) rendition of Glen Miller’s “In the Mood” which encouraged some members of the crowd to get up on their feet.

Harvey Millar

Lucian born Harvey Millar is influenced by the likes of Eric Gale, George Benson and Wes Montgomery. His band included two local talented keyboard players; Monk jnr (17years old) and the accomplished Emerson Nurse. With the masterful Teddyson John on drums, Millar and co stirred the crowd with their reggae enthused jazz R&B flavours. Lucian singer Tamara made a welcome appearance to sing the Isley Brothers “For the Love of You”.

Senor Mandril

Senor Mandril are five youngsters from Mexico with an eclectic blend of Latin American, funk and jazz known as ‘Organica’ in the USA. The crowd seemed a little confused, but applauded politely as their eyebrows twitched. Senor Mandril is a vibrant group with great potential, but I felt St. Lucia was not quite ready for this unique blend of genres.

Boo Hinkson & Friends

Boo Hinkson made his usual appearance with vocalist Stephanie Marshal. Thankfully Marshal added Joan Armatrading’s “The Weakness In Me” to her limited repertoire this time round, and the brief but welcome inclusion of the smooth inviting sax of the much-underrated Bajan born Aturo Tappin went down a treat.

Giraldo Piloto & Klimax

Giraldo Piloto & Klimax hit the stage and immediately caused a stir amongst the female patrons. This Cuban based 11-piece band added a much need kick to the generally relaxed proceedings with serious Latin swing and Cha-cha-cha. The three young male singers wined and gyrated their way through their set as they sang non-stop. Giraldo Piloto & Klimax were later invited to perform at other venues throughout this festival causing a bigger stir at each appearance.

Danny Engoba Les Coeurs Brisees
Click an image to enlarge (top & right side)

Danny Engoba Les Coeurs Brisees are 13 individuals (1 occasional male vocalist, 5 very lithe pretty young women, 3 male dancers 4 musicians). In true Caribbean style it was the women who attracted the most attention with their sexy suggestive hip thrusts and ‘athletic positions’. They writhed and wined on their shoulders, each other and the stage floor. A truly ‘colourful’ display from every angle here.

It was a shame that time was not really on their side. Due to other late performer arrivals, performance times were rescheduled and slotted in accordingly. By the time Les Coeurs Brisees hit the stage even the most hardened festival patrons energy had started to flag. Les Coeurs Brisees continued to perform as patrons began to make their way home. After all – this was just the start of the festival, much more to see, feel and hear over the coming days and nights.

Report by Carole Clemesha & Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio