World class music at JAOTG

Event organiser, Production One Ltd has assembled another star-studded cast of entertainers including Victor Provost from the US Virgin Islands, James Jessey Joseph from Haiti, The William Roblejo Trio from Cuba and TT ’s Elan Parle and Vaughnette Bigford.

Chairman of Production One Anton Doyle reflecting on the JAOTG’s success said: “It’s a blessing and definitely amazing to recognise that we have managed to keep this event going for 15 years.

“When we first came up with the idea, local jazz musicians were not as prominent or celebrated as they are now and the genre itself was more of an underground movement that only a few people really appreciated and followed to any extent.

It’s wonderful to see how the movement has grown and evolved; and although times are hard and sponsorship is virtually impossible for us to acquire these days, we’re still toughing it out and making it work somehow – because we love the music, believe in the artistes and we feel that it’s necessary for the country and the society to really be blessed by these classic sounds.

“Then there are all those people who come out every year and keep telling us how much the experience means to them; and how it rejuvenates their souls – it’s really a labour of love at this point and we’re hoping the love is returned as we celebrate this blessed milestone and feature this amazing and talented cast of musicians at JAOTG 2017.” One of the leading bands in the local jazz movement, Elan Parle is known for its blends of Caribbean rhythms with global music influences to create a Caribbean/world fusion.

Using freewheeling improvisations over carefully crafted compositions, ?lan Parl? is said to have brought a contemporary jazz perspective to the musical and cultural traditions of Trinidad and Tobago.

The vision for the group is reflected in the band’s name “Elan Parl?” – which can be artistically interpreted to mean “spirited conversations.” Over the years, the band has been a staple at all of the local jazz festivals.

Cuban musician Roblejo is an excellent violin player who has paved a way as a professional artist in several popular music bands in his native Cuba.

Roblejo is also head of the William Roblejo String Trio that features violin, guitar and bass.

As a violin player, he has developed a strong career as part of important bands that play Cuban pop, trova and fusion music, including the David Torrens band.

From the technical perspective, he is well-known for brilliant executions on his instrument – which is why he is also a member of the Amadeo Rold?n string quartet of the Cuban National Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as one of the “rising stars” in the Cuba Interactivo project.

Roblejo completed his formal studies in violin at the High Institute of Arts in Cuba (ISA) and has subsequently taught violin in the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory of music in Havana, while concurrently heading the String Cathedra of the mentioned institution.

As usual, JAOTG will have food stalls, wines, desserts, snacks and beverages kinds, ample secured parking and room for picnic-style lounging.

Tickets cost $350 and are available at the malls and regular ticket outlets.

For more info: www.jaotg.

com.