The Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari Blazing Through The Islands

Initially conceiving the idea some twenty years ago Barbados Businessman/promoter Tom Hinds saw his vision of more than 20 years become a reality last month at the debut of the first of a series of Caribbean music festivals titled The Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari. His concept was to take a simple plan that worked for many years at his Naniki Amphitheater/Resort and expand it throughout the Caribbean islands, particularly those islands that have not hosted music festivals in the past.

Endorsed by the Caribbean Tourism Organization and sponsored through the cooperative efforts of the Barbados Tourist Authority, Liat Airlines, Hilton Hotel and many others opening night kicked off the inaugural show at Charles Fort (The Hilton Barbados Resort) in swinging style with a dose of European vocal styling’s from Barbados born Patricia Lowe (now residing in Italy) followed by headliner T.S. Monk’s Quartet with special guest R&B/Jazz vocalist Alyson Williams created “a Jazz Paradise” with a sprinkling of spicy solos from Helen Sung on piano, Willie Williams on sax, and Erik Privet on bass.

On the grounds, where canons still lay, the fireworks provided on the drums by bandleader who was mentored by none other than the late great legends Art Blakey and Max Roach were a sure indication of the rest of the Safari would be like. After sensing the crowd’s pleasure in the abilities of Helen Sung Monk promptly turned it over to her for a solo where she performed her own original medley of well-known selections showcasing her ability to play stride mixed with swing and classics with a twist. After her plastering pace Sung slowed it down and then lit a fire at the end, much to the crowd’s delight. Willie Williams (formerly of TSOP - The Sounds of Philadelphia) was an added featured guest who blew the audience away with his solos. The bass assignment was held down by a young and aptly seasoned Erik Privert. He provided the swing keeping up with the stick and beautiful brushwork of T.S. The night was completed with the jazz vocal stylings of Alyson Williams better known as the R&B singer discovered by music mogul Russell Simmons (founder, Deff Jam Records.

After an opening night like this one would think nothing could top it… wrong! The second night was “Heaven on Earth” with a birthday celebration for NEA Jazz Master Pianist Cedar Walton. At Frank Collymore Hall the island’s premier concert hall with acoustics likened to that of New York’s Allen Room (Jazz at Lincoln Center) and St. Louis’ Sheldon Memorial, MC (Mistress of Ceremonies) Caribbean Radio Network personality Carol Roberts opened up the night by honoring the jazz master who appeared as a special guest with Barbados native David “Happy” Williams’ Quartet. On sax the amazing Antonio Hart was the perfect pearl to add to the compositions performed that night.

During the break Barbados legendary musician Ebe Gilkes was awarded the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari Legend Award. On hand to present the award was promoter Tom Hinds, former Chief Justice Sir David Simmons and Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson. As the “Father of Barbados Jazz” Mr. Gilkes displayed the graciousness of a Count giving further proof to their selection.

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