CASTRIES – THE ST LUCIA JAZZ FESTIVAL kicks into full swing this weekend and already a small Barbadian contingent has made waves on Lucian shores.
Yesterday at the Derek Walcott Square, the 1688 Orchestra, captained by bandleader and pianist Stefan Walcott, headlined the show and gave an energetic performance that sent a buzz through the crowd.
“We did mostly Caribbean Jazz and hyped it off, really and truly,” said Walcott. “We opened up with Now That We’ve Found Love by Third World, and we also did some Spouge remixes, and some Barbadian repertoire. Then we did Bob Marley’s Lively Up Yourself, which we finished on,” said Walcott.
Adding to their performance was the freedom provided by wearing cordless microphones, which saxophonist Joseph Callender said gave him an opportunity to ‘free up’ himself.
Their eclectic performance was cut short however, due to a funeral that was taking place next to the square.
“That’s one of the limitations of playing at Jazz On The Square with such a large church nearby,” commented Walcott. “But by the time we were finished, we had a good time, the audience had a good time, so maybe that was a good place to stop,” Walcott ended with a smirk.
Still to come from Barbados is Soca Queen Alison Hinds, who is set to perform tomorrow night at the Pigeon Island National Landmark.
