By Lincoln DePradine
Effectively-known Toronto-based saxophonist and arranger, Michael “Skell’’ Redhead described a colleague – who as soon as organized music for the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Power band – as “one of many world’s biggest musicians’’.
Redhead was referring to James Clarkson who, at 17, left his homeland Grenada to hitch the West India Regiment unit in Jamaica.
After the collapse of the West Indies Federation, Clarkson relocated to Trinidad and Tobago, arranging music for the Defence Power band and nationwide metal orchestra.
He accompanied the Trinidad and Tobago musical delegation to Expo ’67 in Montreal, and studied at McGill College.
As a baby, Clarkson performed a number of devices and “I used to be in awe of him’’, Redhead stated. “I really feel so proud to name you my good friend.’’
Clarkson “has finished a lot musically,’’ stated Redhead, who joined a particular occasion within the Grenadian capital, St George’s, the place tribute in songs and speeches have been paid to Clarkson, who turns 80 on April 21.
Redhead, who rendered a jazz interpretation of a calypso titled “Brighter Out of Darkness’’, famous Clarkson’s affiliation with American jazz trumpeter and composer, Miles Davis; together with common recording artiste and singer Diana Ross, for whom Clarkson wrote music.
Clarkson carried out with All Stars Metal Orchestra whereas in Trinidad and Tobago, and his many associates included ace arranger Frankie McIntosh.
“He needs to be nominated for a UWI doctorate. People, with far lesser credentials than his, have obtained one,’’ McIntosh stated in a congratulatory notice to Clarkson on the particular tribute occasion.
One other message despatched by Trinidad and Tobago the legendary Joey Lewis Orchestra and the members of his band.
“You will have been a pillar to all, even us, right here in Trinidad and Tobago. Our folks gained’t ever neglect you,’’ learn the message, which stated that Clarkson belonged to the “fraternity of remarkable maestros’’.
In Grenada, Clarkson has served on varied events, as musical director of the nation’s police pressure band, in addition to the commissioner, which is the highest job within the police service.
As well as, he served for greater than 50 years as arranger for Grenada’s oldest steelband, Republic Financial institution Angel Harps.
Beneath his tutelage, Angel Harps has gained greater than a dozen nationwide senior panorama championships.
Clarkson stated he “introduced a distinct texture’’ to Grenada’s Angel Harps, which was based in 1965.
“I’m completely happy that I spent that size of time with them,’’ stated Clarkson, who was offered with tokens of appreciation, together with a plaque, on the tribute in his honour.
Ronald “Mitchie’’ Bain, like Clarkson, was a pan arranger with Angel Harps. Bain, too, was within the Royal Grenada Police Power band when it was led by Clarkson.
The 2 additionally carried out collectively in New York with a band they referred to as, “Obeah’’.
A number of occasions, stated Bain, Trinidad and Tobago tried to “steal’’ Clarkson, providing him Trinidad and Tobagoian citizenship.
“He refused to resign his citizenship of Grenada in an effort to get a scholarship from the federal government of Trinidad and Tobago. And, that’s the man he’s,’’ stated Bain.
“It’s time that Grenada begins acknowledging what people like James have finished for the nation,’’ Bain added.
“I do know of no person that I can examine to him. I’ve performed with a lot of musicians within the US Military; been to their colleges; met a lot of effective musicians; however, with regards to matching James, there’s none.’’
