SLTA CEO States: It’s Magic in Music
By Reginald Andrew
Tuesday night’s Pure Jazz performance at this year’s Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival showcased a masterfully crafted repertoire. The act seamlessly blended musical chords and tempos with jazzy tropical rhythms alongside high-ranking international selections.
In the opening act, Manasseh Edward, Saint Lucia’s Pan Solo Champion, presented his Pann Jazz innovation, uniting tradition and creativity on the global jazz stage.
Edward’s ensemble featured talented artists, including an exceptional female pianist, delivering a scintillating performance that captivated the audience.
Hailing from the Marchand community in the city’s suburbs, Edward was drawn to steelpan music from a young age, inspired by the sounds from the Diamond Steelpan yard, a pioneer of the island’s steel pan music scene.
He declared, “I chose pan because it caught my attention at age nine, and I always wanted to play it. Pan Jazz especially captivated me, as Luther Francois pioneered jazz music in Saint Lucia.”
Edward acknowledged the virtuosity of Luther Francois, the island’s most renowned musician, and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share the stage with professional artists like pianist Emerson Nurse and pannist Allyson Marquis.
He stated, “These influencers, along with Bartholomew Gustave and Hilary from the Police Band, broadened my exposure to jazz music.”
He enthusiastically promoted the festival organizers, asserting, “The Jazz & Arts Festival is of the highest quality. It embraces our culture and showcases our diversity. We are Saint Lucians, and whenever we take the stage, we represent our heritage with excellence.”
Next up on stage, Etienne Charles’ jazz ensemble energized the crowd with a brilliant mixture of musical vibrations. Their improvisation infused jazzy tropical elements, compelling attendees to dance along to a medley of popular beats from legendary kaiso artists, seamlessly integrated into Charles’ jazzy style.
Adding a jazzy twist to the popular Dennery Segment tune ‘Split in the Middle’ highlighted the band’s versatility and ability to explore various music genres, with a Caribbean flair that enriched the experience.
Matteo Mancuso, recognized as the ‘Future of guitar jazz,’ led his three-member band—consisting of lead and bass guitars, and drums—creating an electrifying atmosphere that filled The Pavilion halls at the Rodney Bay venue.
During interludes, Mancuso engaged with the audience, sharing insights about his latest album, The Journey, and paying tribute to the Italian city of Sicily.
The epic presentation featured a medley of smooth, resonating guitar sounds paired with soulful jazz beats. Despite being a three-piece band, they produced an impressive tempo, rooted firmly in Mancuso’s talent.
Mancuso and his musicians conjured infectious rhythms, letting the vibes flow with relentless energy—creating an unforgettable jazzy experience!
Speaking to reporters, Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), acknowledged the array of musical talent showcased at various community jazz events. He stated, “The jazz experience so far has been exhilarating. I anticipate that the pinnacle of the festival will be the weekend events at Pigeon Island.”
Reflecting on Tuesday’s Pure Jazz groove, Lewis emphasized: “Events like this are the ‘heart and core’ of the festival, featuring jazz artists. Tonight, we witnessed several renditions of soca music that you won’t find anywhere else. This is a true Caribbean experience, and the crowd was appreciative. It’s magic in music.”
