Music lovers show up for International Jazz Day 

Jamaica's fulsome participation in the celebration of International Jazz Day last Thursday was a story sonically  crafted in the spirit of resilience, and all those involved in the production should gloriously take a bow.

"After Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) experienced fiscal challenges, casting doubt on the Jazz Day concert. Yet to silence this celebration would rob us of hope; jazz was forged in the heat of life-and-death challenges, music that refuses the silence of defeat and inspires endurance through the spirit of resistance," director of the Jamaica Music Museum, Herbie Miller, declared, as he expounded on "the unyielding 'never-say-die' spirit", which is at the heart of jazz.

It certainly proved to be a "one heart, one love" moment as jazz-lovers showed up in their numbers at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre along Hope Road, flipping the venue - which accommodated more than 70 art, craft and food vendors  - into jazz and culture central, as they savoured the music and the cuisine on offer, under a bright full moon, and not even a drop of the forecast rain.

The event showcased an inspiring mix of local and international talents, including New York-based, multi-instrumentalist Mike McGinnis, pianist Dennis Rushton and his quintet, bass player Dale Haslam, also with his quintet, and the JaMM Big Band, with special guest vocalist Tony Gregory. 

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, was in the house with a smile on her face as she enjoyed the syncopated rhythms, the soulful melodies and the dynamic, interactive solos. She pointed out that "jazz has always been integral to the Jamaican musical experience, so hosting the local event has been a standard on the calendar for many years".

The minister told The Gleaner that this year marks the 10th anniversary of Kingston being declared a UNESCO designated Creative City of Music, and this achievement "gave us yet another opportunity to demonstrate the diversity of Jamaican creativity".

"Jamaica has been consistently participating in International Jazz Day since its inauguration 15 years ago, and this year’s concert continues this trend. The performances by our local performers show the talent that rests in the Jamaican people whatever the genre," Grange said.

She shared her joy at having McGinnis as special international guest.

"Just to have him interpret the work of Jamaican foundation musician, Joe Harriot, again points to the universal appeal of our music and practitioners. I have nothing but commendation for our very own Herbie Miller of the Jamaica Music Museum, whose hard work and dedication paid off and was seen in this year’s presentation," the culture minster added.

McGinnis, who is known for his work on the saxophone and clarinet, performed right after the  Dale Haslam Quintet, which included Haslam on bass, Tony Ruption on drums, Chris Campbell on guitar and Andre Campbell on piano. The audience showed total appreciation for their interpretations of Honeysuckle Rose, Have Mercy on Me and a folk suite which included Hol' Him Joe, and they were ready to receive McGinnis, who told them that he was excited to be in Jamaica, especially since his wife is Jamaican.

In a post-performance interview, he shared that this was his first time playing in Jamaica for such a big audience.

"I've been lucky to come and meet all these great musicians, especially coming and representing jazz from New York City, and also amazing to play the music of Joe Harriet," he said, alluding to the late  Jamaican jazz musician and composer who pioneered the free-form jazz and was a part of a wave of Caribbean jazz musicians who migrated to Britain in the ’50s.

Harriet was chosen for special honour and McGinnis had to learn his music. It was an experience which he spoke about during and after his performance.

"Whenever you learn a new person's music ... especially his ... that's like learning their life and getting inside their head. And that's what's cool about music, because even though I never met him and we lived in different places ...  he died the month that I was born in January of 1973 ... but through the music, it's like I know him," McGinnis said. 

He noted that Harriet's reputation "is well deserved”. 

"A lot of people tried to copy Charlie Parker, but he really got the essence of it without being a clone. He's a heroic figure, great innovator and great saxophonist.” 

His advice to younger musicians who may not have heard or have gone indepth with Joe Harris is simple. 

"Check out his free-form album and the movement album .... sit down with it, put some headphones on and really let it absorb you and you will find a whole beautiful world of expression," McGinnis said.

It was 9:47 p.m. when the JaMM Big Band took charge of the stage and was later joined by Tony Gregory, who fans noted "still have it".  International Jazz Day is chaired by the UNESCO director-general and is led by legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock.