Driven by a passion to shape their approach to contemporary jazz music with a unique West Indian perspective, Saint Lucian born artists and composers Richard Payne and Francis John decided to tap into the wellspring of the rich Creole heritage of their Caribbean homeland. For years they had immersed themselves in the diverse worlds of Miles, Marley, Bartok, Jobim, Kassav and Corea, among others. Groups such as the Yellowjackets, Caribbean Jazz Project, Ultramarine, Sixun and Weather Report nurtured their musical palate even further. In 2001, their fascination with Caribbean roots music influenced their direction, and they embarked on a two-year odyssey that would seek to integrate the indigenous, the smooth, the world beat and the avant garde.
In November 2002, after a successful collaboration with lyricist Elisha Benoit from Dominica (who co-authored the project's lyrics,) Richard and Francis proceeded to record some of the best and brightest artists from the Anglophone and Francophone Caribbean for this self-titled CD project. These artists' virtuosity and unique styles would not only help to define the group's colour, but the intensity of that experience would in March 2003 herald the birth of this new regional ensemble.
The artists who comprise the group are Pianist Richard Payne (Saint Lucia), Bassist Francis John (Saint Lucia), Guitarist Eric Bonheur (French Guiana), Drummer Dominique Bougrainville (Martinique), Saxophonist Luther Francois (Saint Lucia), Percussionist Miki Télèphe (Martinique) and Vocalist Joël Lutbert (Martinique).
Written, arranged and produced by Richard Payne and Francis John, the music of Bluemangó is an exotic hybrid of indigenous rhythms intensely flavoured with contemporary jazz. The essence of the group's music may very well have been found in the rhythm and soul of a shared Afro-Caribbean -American experience. Over the course of their respective careers, the group's members have performed with well known musicians such as Steve Turre, Kassav, Andy Narell, Hilton Ruiz, Tania St. Val, David Rudder, Mario Canonge and Dave Valentin among others. They have also opened for artistes as varied as Luther Vandross, Kenny G and Richard Bona.
Following its formation in 2003, Bluemangó performed at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival (May), "Live at the Yuca" Radio Broadcast in Martinique (August), and at the CMAC Jazz Festival in Martinique (December). The group's performances this year include Main Stage St. Lucia Jazz (May), the Lamentin Jazz Fest (Martinique, May), the Metis'Arts Festival in Sainte Marie (Martinique, July) and the opening of the cultural season of the CMAC in the Atrium in Fort-de-France (October). The group has also been featured on French Television RFO (in January and April 2004) and is the recipient of the prestigious M&C Fine Arts Gold Award for recorded music in Saint Lucia.
Bluemangó is clearly a new breed of artists quickly carving out their place within the Caribbean's rich and unique musical landscape.
November 2004
Check out the artist's website:
http://bluemangomusic.comTrack List:
1. Samba Kréyòl
2. Bad Mon
3. Blue Mango
4. Zyé Gwi (Grey Eyes)
5. Zafè Moun (Gossip)
6. Désendans (Descendants)
7. Zaywan
8. Man From Morne Dudon
9. Si i Pa Bon (Outro)
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