‘Dreams’ come true

“12” has been in existence for over six years and has gained a loyal underground following. According to Sheldon Holder, lead singer of the band, “12’s” music is not only for the waistline, but for above the waistline too.

With Brendon Moore on the flugelhorn, Nigel Irish on bass guitar, Makesi Joseph on drums, and John Hussain on lead and rhythm guitar, “12” gave their greatest performance to date. The set list included songs to be included on their upcoming album, “Streets and Avenues in August. “Lady of the Night,” “Sagawarriors,” “Tabanca, Wrong Chord,” “Twilight,” “Ghetto,” and their most popular song, Imagination, even had a few members of the crowd on their feet and grooving to their unique brand of eclectic soul.

“Sonrise” was the first of 12’s songs. This song, with it’s Reggae vibe, cried that ‘‘we in Trinidad were born to shame.’’ He incited listeners to ‘‘fix this place’ and assured us that we can because ‘we dreams have wings to fly.’’

Chromatics of Spotrushaz was featured along with “12” in a reggae/rap version of Andre Tanker’s “Basement Party”. Even though Chromatics’ mode of dress reminded this writer of Britney Spears’ husband, Kevin Federline, his and Sheldon’s performance were engaging and energetic.

Special mention needs to be given to Brendon Moore with his flugelhorn which gave a whole different dimension to the music. Also memorable was, John Hussain who wowed the crowd with his guitar solo in Ghetto.

The night’s first performer was once the bass guitarist of Mungal Patasar and Pantar. Coreysan performed as a one-man band, playing the bass guitar while his computer provided synthesised sounds to complement his act.

The following acts, however, had a more conscious, soulful vibe. Guitarist and singer Josette Thomas shared her pain with the audience and brought us in with her excellent vocals and catchy melody.

Next was the group “Surgeon Blade Panel” which consists of Muhammad Muakil, Mister Shak and Collis Duranty. They integrated poetry into their music and sang about their beloved country Trinidad and Tobago and the downward spiral it has taken. They equated it to loosing your soul but advised positive people to use what they have to make a strong contribution to society. They told the audience to pay attention to the direction the youths are going and not to blame them because they come from somewhere - “you have led them astray.”

“Surgeon Blade Panel” greatly affected the women that night with the love song ‘‘Category Five.’’ In the song, Muakil recited one of his poems. One line in particular spoke about ‘‘spending 30 minutes on a text message to her so you get it Just right.’’ I loved his rhythm, I felt what he was feeling, and I related to him — that night he gained one more fan.

When Mungal Patasar and Pantar took the stage along with Synergy’s Omarie as DJ, there was an air of expectancy. He told the audience the first song the band would play was “Dreadlocks”. When he first started mixing Indian Classical music with other things, no one understood but now, the crowd understood. To him, it represented a struggle to be one’s own, a struggle for identity.

it could be clearly seen that each member was enjoying the music they were producing - bopping their heads and grooving to the tune. At one point, certain members of the band showed their skill and played solos. You could see the pride on Mungal’s face as he looked around, smiling at each of them like a proud father watching his children excel.

“Calebasse Caf?” was the next song performed off the band’s newly released album of the same title. Calebasse is the name for Calabash in Martinique.Vani was the first song Mungal composed at the age of 16. It is a sample of the local folk song “Every Time I Pass.”