Jazz in Linden is by no means a strange phenomenon, or one that does not have a following, but whether it can become a festival with an international flavour that can draw both local and foreign fans, is a question that was examined by two Linden musicians.
In November, at the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Development luncheon – Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad in his feature address told the gathering that jazz, a fish-fry weekend and the development of resorts should be considered as possible tourism pulls for the community. Singer Dennis Parkinson and Assistant Pastor Richard McDonald of Calvary Temple Assembly of God, who is a saxophonist, both admitted that jazz is an area of music that is not as popular as reggae or dancehall, but is an art form that can be developed over time.
“Jazz, this is welcome with certain big people,” Parkinson, a well-known and prominent Linden musician said. Parkinson related that over a decade ago there were, what can be described as jazz sessions. “I think it is something that hasn’t been done… quite, a while in Linden,” he said and noted that it could be seen as new in the community and there would be sort of an awakening, if it were to be reintroduced.
Musicians in the community carried on jazz sessions and these events were mainly supported by seniors. “It would need promotion,” Parkinson said, adding that the location would also be critical. Among the Linden venues he suggested were the Constabulary Hall and Lichas, because of their capacity to hold major audiences and the settings. It was pointed out too that much thought will need to be put into this, and for example, the timing of the event will be very important. Nevertheless, he did not rule out support from the younger side of the community explaining, “there are some young people who go for jazz.”
Parkinson reiterated that some persons in the community would welcome jazz because it is a good art form. However, he did not want to speak as to its continuity as an economic venture. He said that support comes mainly from the senior residents.
Pastor McDonald too highlighted that not many people are fans of jazz. According to this musician, this American style of music that came out mainly from the states in the South – is not widely followed. McDonald opined that a jazz festival might not be very much appreciated because of the style of the music.
From his experience, events that included jazz performers did not receive the same level of audience appreciation as other art forms. He cautioned, however, “I am not saying it is something that should be ruled out completely.” But he advanced the view that any jazz event in Linden, will have to carry an international flavour and high professionalism, for it to appeal. “You will have to really win the population with that type of music,” he said, since soca and reggae have a grip on the music scene. It is his belief that getting young people to appreciate other forms of music, has to begin in school. Children, he said, should be taught about singing music with meaning, and he decried the fact that music has deteriorated to just singing about love and sex. “People need to get back to singing and learning to sing,” he said, noting that music teachers are a “dying breed.”
He suggested that during town week, jazz can be included in the schedule of activities, as one means of introducing the art form to Lindeners.
McDonald believes that for Linden to pull off a jazz festival, the likes of St. Lucia – which has an annual international jazz event, will call for significant investment and the investor cannot expect a return right away, and probably not until three years after the initial event.
