Pure happiness at Rudder’s birthday bash

AN estimated 3,000 loyal fans of entertainer David Michael Rudder turned out for his 50th birthday concert at MOBS 2 in Chaguaramas on Saturday night.

Presented by Island Style in association with Newsday, and supported by Ebony 104 FM, Western Union, Royal Oak and Stag, the concert took the whole idea of a routine Saturday night out and turned it into one long, joyful evening of abandonment and sheer good spirits. That Rudder, whose birth date is actually May 6, did not take the stage until 12.10 am Sunday mattered not to the faithful. For them it was worth the wait to see and hear their idol perform, having missed his physical presence at Carnival celebrations 2003.

The 1986 multi-crowned Carnival winner has opted to make Canada his temporary home, and for the first time since his rise to fame missed a Carnival at home. He returned yesterday to continue his sojourn in the land of the Maple Leaf. The entertainer certainly made up to fans for his absence at this year’s reign of the Merry Monarch with an exuberant performance of his numerous compositions, backed by superb musical accompaniment from an aggregation of talented musicians that included guitarists Anthony Voisin, Terrance Shaw and Albert Bushe, along with trumpeter Joel Bonaparte and keyboardist Kenneth Baptiste, all connected with the Roots and Rapid Response Orchestras.

It was the same Rudder we have all grown accustomed to, but he seemed refreshed, bringing new life to the old songs with a sense of taste and understanding and sympathy for the material. One felt his awareness in trying to retain the essential character of the compositions, all of which were immaculately performed. Of particular interest in Rudder’s repertoire was a showcase of the truly enchanting songs on his latest album from which local radio DJs misguidedly chose to highlight the single track, “Trini To The Bone”. Those not in possession of a copy of the CD may have heard for the first time selections such as “Rational Anthem,” “I Want To Fly”, “That Girl”, “Mastifay”, “Havana” and “Driving Me Crazy”.

The playbill’s first half, competently hosted by soca star Machel Montano, featured cameo performances by Caribbean artistes Flo PG of Martinique and Junior Kelly of Jamaica (in place of Glen Washington), as well as local acts H20 FLO, Trini Jacobs (daughter of Carl and Carol Jacobs) and the Roy Cape Kaiso All Stars. The band Atlantik, featuring Ronnie McIntosh and Destra Garcia, failed to show, but a cover version of Destra’s Carnival contribution “Is Carnival” was performed with rhythmic intensity by Machel, backed by the Cape orchestra. Indeed, the contribution of the Xtatik leader to the evening’s programme certainly merits special mention. His exceptional stage presence and mellow informality in easily communicating with an audience set the mood and paved the way for the featured performer.

Saxophonist, Arturo Tappin of Barbados and trumpeter Alexis Baro of Cuba showed off their world-class talent with gripping displays of musicianship. First, there was Baro’s lilting solo during Rudder’s showcase of the fast-paced “I Want To Fly”, followed by Tappin’s impressive reed work in “Havana”. The two would come together in a stunning musical blow-out during Rudder’s rendition of “De Long Time Band” that would leave the audience breathless and calling for more. Proceeds from the venture will go towards purchasing steelband instruments for the St Michael School for Boys in Diego Martin, Rudder revealed. Bandleader Wayne Bruno, who has just completed his Master’s Degree in music, has offered his services as arranger for the band, free of charge.

Rudder sang for over two hours, finally ending his session at 2.50 am. But as far as opinion went, he could have sung for another two. His fans left the venue happy that their “boy” had achieved another milestone in his life — 50 years. And like good wine, they say, he just keeps getting better with age.