HELLOOO BEAUTIFUL READERS!!!! Welcome back to my blog! It's time to bid you guys farewell but before I do I'm just going write on one more topic!
Anyways! Today I'll be discussing Versatility in Spanish-speaking countries in The Caribbean.
There are numerous examples of versatility highlighted in the book, Grove Music amongst the Spanish-speaking countries.Versatility can be portrayed in numerous ways including performance, instruction, leading a choir, or playing in a band or an ensemble.
In today's segment, I have decided to highlighted Johnny Ventura, a instrumentalist, vocalist and performer from the Dominican Republic.
Johnny Ventura
Johnny Ventura was born in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic on March 8th, 1940. Along with Luis Perez, Ventura was a band leader that incorporated salsa elements and rock-and-roll
performance style into an exuberant, faster merengue shaping the sound of modern merengue in the 1960s (Davis & Austerlitz, 2001). Ventura was often called “the Elvis of Merengue” and “the Black Horse". Furthermore, Ventura obtained a law degree and later became the mayor of Santo Domingo displaying the theme of versatility in music (Edwards, 2021).
The image below displays a picture of Johnny Ventura:
The video below displays a performance given by Johnny Ventura:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jwk8OB1Jdc
I chose the video because it was lively, funny and makes you want to dance. Not only does Johnny sing in this live performance but he also dances and plays an instrument showing off his versatility in music.
Enrique "Ricky" Martin Morales
The next versatile artist I decided to highlight that represents music in the spanish-speaking Caribbean is known as Ricky Martin.
Ricky Martin is a singer, actor and songwriter born on December 24th, 1971 in Puerto Rico. His music is known to be versatile as it spans from different genres including salsa, latin pop and reggaeton, etc. He is often considered the "King of Latin Pop" or the "King of Latin music" (Ricky Martin, 2021). Additionally, Martin also founded a non-profit organization that educates about human trafficking and helps to prevent the crime.
The image below displays a picture of Johnny Ventura:
https://www.biography.com/musicians/ricky-martin
The video below displays a performance given by Johnny Ventura:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BkYKwHLXiU
I chose this video and song because I absolutely loveeeeeeeee salsa music and this specific video shows Ricky Martin performing this song that he made for Fifa live.
Well that's all I have for versatility in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean so byeeeeeeee!
References
Davis, M. E., & Austerlitz, P. (2001). Grove
Music. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.44000
Edwards, G. (2021, July 29). New York Times. Retrieved
from Johnny Ventura, Who Created the Sound of Modern Merengue, Dies at 81:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/29/arts/johnny-ventura-dead.html
Ricky Martin. (2021, April 22). Retrieved from Biography:
https://www.biography.com/musicians/ricky-martin
HELLOOO BEAUTIFUL READERS!!!! Welcome back to my blog!
Long time no read! GET IT?!?! Lol
Anyways! Today I'll be discussing Versatility in Dutch-speaking countries in The Caribbean.
There are numerous examples of versatility highlighted in Chapter 3 of the book, Tour De Force. The Dutch-speaking countries in the Caribbean are separated into two groups: The Dutch Windward Islands and The Dutch Leeward Islands (Gangelhoff & LeGrand, 2019). Versatility can be portrayed in numerous ways including performance, instruction, leading a choir, or playing in a band or an ensemble.
In today's segment, I have decided to highlighted Roel Calister, a percussionist from Curacao which is a Dutch Leeward Island.
Roel Calister
Roel Calister was born in Curaçao and is a versatile percussionist that keeps the traditions of his culture and home island alive (Gangelhoff & LeGrand, 2019). Calister is known for combining tambu beats with electronic dance music to create the creole genre, Tambutronic. He is specialized in Caribbean and African instruments, which play a large role in Roël’s band Kuenta i Tambu (Discogs, n.d.). With the band, Calister has been performing at festivals around the world for 8 years. Additionally, Roël establikshed drumdrumdrum.nl in 2005, which specializes in developing rhythmical notions and educational programs for schools and other organizations.
The image below displays a picture of Roel Calister:
This second image shows a more recent picture of Roel from May 21st, 2021:
https://www.instagram.com/roelcalister/?hl=en
The video below displays a performance given by Roel Calister and the band, Kuenta I Tambu:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvy8rbqmlXM
I chose this video as it perfectly depicts the theme of versatility. In the video, Calister can be observed performing with the band, Kuenta I Tambu. Calister not only sings in the group but also plays a variety of homemade instruments observed in the video. I kid you not I watched the entire video. It was just such a fun and upbeat performance that displayed the culture of the Dutch speaking countries in the Caribbean.
Tanny and The Boys
Another example of versatility I have decided to highlight is a string band called "Tanny and the boys". Tanny and the boys is a famous string band in the Dutch-speaking country called St. Maarten.
The band members include:
Nathaniel “Tanny” Davis - Band Leader
Federico”Culebra” Nathaniel Smith - Lead Vocal
Maxime Emeal Reed - Lead Vocal
Edward ‘Eddie” Emanuel Violenus - Accordion player
George Bernard Violenus - Tambora player
James Roosevelt Samuel - Marimba player
Jocelyn Antonio Arndell - Scraping guiro player
Abraham Thomas (deceased) - Marimba player
"The Boys” play meringue, calypso, tumba, bolero, waltz, pop, blues, polka, and mazurka in a graceful and confident manner (Sekou, 1992).
The image below displays a picture of Tanny and The Boys:
The video below displays a song produced and performed by Tanny and the boys:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXTGQdVHP-o
I absolutely loveeeee the tempo and instrumental of this song which is the main reason I chose this video. It reminds me of a night dancing on one of the family islands with the older generation.
I think out of all the countries I've covered in this blog the Dutch may be my favorite. Not sure though!
Anyways guysssss until next time!!!
References
Discogs. (n.d.). Roël Calister. Retrieved from
Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/artist/3863811-Ro%C3%ABl-Calister
Gangelhoff, C., & LeGrand, C. (2019). Tour de
Force: A Musical Journey of the Caribbean (1st ed.). Nassau: Sound
Caribbean.
Sekou, L. M. (1992). Tanny & The Boys - A
Little History About The Men and Their Music... Retrieved from Government
of Sint Marteen :
http://www.sintmaartengov.org/government/ECYS/Pages/Tanny-The-Boys.aspx
HELLLOOOO BEAUTIFUL READERS!!! Welcome back to my blog!
Today I'll be discussing Versatility in French-speaking countries in The Caribbean.
There are numerous examples of versatility highlighted in Chapter 2 of the book, Tour De Force.
Versatility can be portrayed in numerous ways including performance, instruction, leading a choir, or playing in a band or an ensemble. In today's segment, I have decided to highlight the countries, Guadeloupe and Haiti.
Guadeloupe
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Geroges
In Guadeloupe, the most important musical figure, Joseph Bologne, displays the theme of versatility in Caribbean music. Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges was born in Guadeloupe in 1745 but moved to France at a young age. Bologne was a conductor, composer, fencer, and violinist who vividly displays versatility in his lifespan. He was referred to as the "Black Mozart" as the quality of his compositions was remarkable.
The image below displays a picture of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges:
The video below displays a performance of Joseph Bologne's Symphony No. 2 in D Major:
I chose this video mainly because of the creativity in regard to the animation. The animation makes the video more interesting and engaging. This composition by Joseph Bologne reminds me of movies that mirror the classical era like Pride and Prejudice.
Alain Pierre Pradel
Another perfect example of versatility observed in Guadeloupe is the composer, Alain Pierre Pradel. In the book, Tour de Force, Pradel is considered a Caribbean artist and composer that needs a nonmusical career to support his musical passions. Pradel pursued an extensive career in banking as he did not expect to gain financially from composing music.
The image below displays a picture of Alain Pradel:
https://www.alainpradel.fr/bio
The video below displays the musician Alain Pradel as he advertises his collection of musical compositions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zphbXnIDn4I
I chose to attach this video as it highlights the theme of versatility. In the video, Mr. Pradel plays the piano for a few seconds and then goes on to discuss his life and the musical compositions he has published. I especially like this video as it is Mr. Pradel himself in the video rather than another individual speaking on his behalf.
Haiti
In Haiti, many artists display the theme of versatility being composers, conductors, and instrumentalists.
For example, Sydney Guillaume is an established conductor, composer, and clinician born in Haiti but residing in Portland, Oregon.
Guillaume has been a conductor for numerous choirs and concerts including:
The 2022 Georgia All-State Senior Treble Choir
The 2019 Florida All-State Middle School Treble Chorus
The 34th annual Idaho State University Choral Invitational Festival
The 2018 Maine All-State High School Mixed Chorus
2018 World Conference in Azerbaijan
An All- Guillaume Concert in New York City
Imbroglio Sextet Concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City
The image below displays a picture of Sydney Guillaume:
The video below shows Sydney Guillaume as the conductor for a performance by Florida All-State Middle School Treble Chorus:
I chose the video above as it shows a video of Mr. Guillaume in his element as he skillfully conducts the choir resulting in a beautiful, raw, and unique performance. I also love that the choir consists of children rather than adults.
Unfortunately, I must conclude here. Thank you for reading! Until the next segment!
References
Gangelhoff, C., & LeGrand, C. (2019). Tour de
Force: A Musical Journey of the Caribbean (1st ed.). Nassau: Sound
Caribbean.
Guillaume, S. (n.d.). Sydney Guillaume . Retrieved
from Sydney Guillaume : https://sydneyguillaume.com/
Wise, B. (2020, October 10). A composer with a
life seemingly torn from an adventure novel. Retrieved from Experience:
https://cso.org/experience/article/1263/a-composer-with-a-life-seemingly-torn-from-an
In the book Tour de Force, there are several examples of versatility highlighted in Chapter 1.
Versatility can be portrayed in numerous ways including performance, instruction, leading a choir, or playing in a band or an ensemble. In this blog I have chosen to highlight the countries, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and US Virgin Islands.
Trinidad and Tobago
While reading the book Tour de Force, I've become absolutelyyyyy fascinated with the representation of versatility in Trinidad and Tobago. In the beautiful country of Trini, as I would call it, there is an annual event known as Panorama which began in 1963 and is an example of performance in versatility. In a panorama, winners are able to receive both recognition, and prizes. Additionally, during a panorama, steel bands are judged on how well the panners perform and also the level of quality the music performed. I find the name panners as a substitute for players to be so hilarious lol.
The image below shows a picture of the 2020 national steelband competition in Trini known as Panorama:
The video below also shows a short performance of the winners of the 2023 Panorama known as the Bp Renegades.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RixqRLVuhcA
One of the main reasons why I chose this video was due to the uniform they wore lol. I love that they're wearing the flag of Trini on their shirts which would increase recognition as international videos would know that this is a part of the Trini culture. I also chose the video because the music was just so different and energetic. It was almost as if hypnotic features were embedded into the quality of the music. Although I am not familiar with many steel bands, I can understand entirely how they won.
Jamaica
Another English country in the Caribbean that shows versatility in Music is Jamaica. In Jamaica, there is a plethora of artists that are performers and composers. In the book Tour de Force, Peter Ashbourne is highlighted as a well-known and versatile composer. Peter Ashbourne was born on July 14th, 1950 in Kingston, Jamaica. He was in several groups including Byron Lee and The Dragonaires, Peter Ashbourne Affair, and Peter Ashbourne Group (Discogs, n.d.). He was often a composer of film productions, television and theatrical music.
The image below shows a picture of Peter Ashbourne:
I chose the video above as it shows Peter Ashbourne live and in action. The video also tells exactly what role he plays in the performance. If you watch the video, Mr. Ashbourne is recognized as the composer and the piano player.
United States Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands is another English speaking country that highlights the theme of versatilty. A famous composer known as Wilbur "Bill" LaMotta is a prime example of the theme as LaMotta was a composer and a pianist, arranger and organist (Discogs n.d).
The image below displays a picture of Bill LaMotta:
This blog will focus on the theme of Versatility in Caribbean music.
Background of Versatility in Music
According to the book, Tour de Force, versatility in music occurs when “musicians engage in a wide range of musical practices in order to achieve a sustainable career in music.” Throughout history, versatility has been a common occurrence in music as musicians strived to build credible and sustainable careers in the music industry. Versatility in music is essential as it encourages an entrepreneurial mindset and boosts financial stability and reliability. Additionally, in today’s society, many artists in the Caribbean have another source of income unrelated to music to ensure financial security.
Customary practices that display versatility include:
Performance
Instruction
Examples of performance and instruction include playing an instrument or composing music. Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Germany on December 17th, 1770 eventually becoming one of the greatest composers ever to live. Ludwig van Beethoven displayed versatility in music as the famous prodigy was a pianist and composer.
Photo taken from: https://www.cbc.ca/music/ludwig-van-beethoven-s-best-2-minutes-1.5789472
The video below highlights Beethoven’s versatility in music to achieve economic security.
Other Examples Displaying Versatility in Music
Another way versatility in music can be portrayed is by leading a choir. According to the article, Money From Music: Survey Evidence On Musicians’ Revenue and Lessons about Copyright Incentives by Peter DiCola, musicians play multiple roles including the administrator, live performer, teacher, or salaried player in a band, ensemble, or orchestra. In a survey conducted by DiCola, 89% of the respondents played two or more of these roles as successful musicians require flexibility in their careers.
An example of a Caribbean artist that displays versatility is a local Bahamian musician based in Freeport, The Bahamas known as Kevin G. Tomlinson. Mr. Tomlinson displays versatility as he plays instruments including the piano and is also a choir director. He is also the President and Managing Director of Kevin G. Tomlinson Academy in Freeport, Bahamas to increase financial security.
Photo taken from: https://www.facebook.com/KevinGTomlinsonsAcademyForThePerformingArts/
The videos below display Mr. Tomlinson's versatility in music as a youth choir director and a pianist.
