A Review by Phoebe Fraites
As a relative new comer to the island I have only four words to describe The Charles Cadet concert “it was refreshingly entertaining”.
Like many of the events staged this year to emphasise the arts component of the 2015 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, the Cultural Development Foundation in collaboration with the Saint Lucia School of Music and the Saint Lucia Tourist Board hosted this concert to celebrate the musical legacy of the legendary, and iconic Saint Lucia maestro, Charles Cadet. At the same time, it showcased the musical abilities of many local talents in Saint Lucia.
I attended the concert with very little knowledge of Charles Cadet and his invaluable contribution to music on the island. As I browsed the programme, I began to recognise a few names that were listed on the all-star line-up and I knew that I was in for a musical treat.
The title of the concert could not have been more fitting “The Inaugural celebration of the Cultural Icon Series – The Cadet Concert. For a man who has devoted his entire life to his music, sharing his talents and inspirations with young musicians through collaborative works and solid partnerships, while at the same time keeping his music relevant, Charles Cadet is indeed amongst Saint Lucia’s iconic giants! The concert clearly defined the exceptional talent of a true Caribbean son of the soil and it was only fitting to pay reverence to a man who has contributed an enormous amount to his country through his art.
For those who are not so familiar with Charles Cadet’s music or who might not have had the privilege of attending live concerts, it seems only fitting to shed a bit of light on his musical journey from a childhood dream of composing many classics to the deserved position of prominence that has now bestowed on him. His music has not only influenced young musicians on the island but has gained a high level of recognition throughout the Caribbean.
Charles Cadet was born in a household where the appreciation of all types of music including his native creole was part of everyday life of its occupants. He was first recognised when he won the top prize at the Apollo Amateur Night Competition in the USA for “I don’t see you in my eyes anymore”. During the same time his inspiration came from musical giants such as Sammy Davis Jr, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. Coupled with his love for jazz, he was very fascinated by Broadway musical productions and during his educational stint in the USA, he attended shows like South Pacific, Showboat and Carousel. On his return home he began producing a series of amazing contemporary and traditional interpretations of jazz, classical and creole music, many of which, were performed at the recent concert. Charles Cadet did not only compose music on his own, he also worked in partnership with his friend Lenny Stone and also did collaborative work with his niece, the much admired saxophonist Barbara Cadet.
To return to the concert, as I entered the National Cultural Centre for the first time, I could not help but notice that the auditorium was almost packed to capacity with patrons anxiously awaiting the commencement of the show. Those who arrived “fashionably late” stealth tiptoeing to the few remaining vacant seats in the back of the auditorium. Regardless of where they sat, it was evident that people were happy to be a part of this audience. With limited seating accommodation, additional chairs had to be brought in to seat some of the late comers, resulting in a much tighter squeeze for a few. However this did not deter the concertgoers from participating in singing along and applauding throughout the concert. In reflection, given the huge turn-out of patrons, maybe next year the organisers might want to include a second night.
The concert began on time which was notably a common thread throughout the entire jazz and arts festival. With an opening of Lamb of God, the choir captivated the audience’s attention from the first note. The programme covered many of Charles Cadet’s compositions from Banjo Man, Chanson Marianne, The Legend of Tom Fool, and the premiere of his new exciting work La Fen Jounen. The performances were executed with meticulous precision, and judging from Mr Cadet’s facial expression, he was utterly pleased with their musical capabilities.
The Saint Lucia School of Music Symphony Orchestra with members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band and a select number of independent musicians accompanied many leading local artistes such as Ronald “Boo Hinkson, Derede Williams, Lenny Stone, Elra Ermay, Shayne Ross, Special Blend, Nahoma “Ready” Jn. Baptiste, Jessy Billy to name a few, thus creating an ambiance similar to any international event of exceptional high quality and standards. Director of the School of Music, Richard Payne, an equally talented musician, delivered a very impressive “take” on his piano which gained him a huge round of applause from the appreciative audience.
Despite carefully executed plans under the meticulous Technical Director Adrian Augier, there were a few technical hiccups in the midst of Marie-Eve Augier’s rendition of Chanson Marianne. However this did not phase Ms Augier, who is an excellent performer in her own right. She continued singing without the technical aids resulting in her receiving an “ encore” from the audience, to which Ms Augier humbly responded by repeating a stellar performance equally as grand as her first.
There was a brief intermission which served as a well-defined break from the classics to introduce the creole and folk aspect of the concert. Mambo Caribbean, followed by Estephan, Wild Child, Can’t Turn Away and Ay Dou Dou were among the songs performed by various artistes. However it was the folk medley Dou Dou ou go ou gwa oh ka woulé that brought the house down. There were peals of laughter and singing throughout the auditorium as if to say “we finally can sing our songs with pride and without prejudice.”
I was swept in the tide of the emotions that filled the room, and despite my lack of understanding of the lyrics that were sung in patois, the reaction of the audience was extremely infectious. I found myself singing along with the crowd. But, the best was yet to come, as the Mistress of Ceremonies announced the final song Poinsettia Blossom, I witnessed tears of joy from some people nearby and I knew that there was a fair amount of reminiscing taking place.
The concert came to an end but not before the legend Charles Cadet humbly thanked everyone for their attendance and shared some of his humorous experiences that brought much laughter from the crowd. Evidently, the love that was showered by his people throughout the concert was well reciprocated.
Much gratitude must be given to the organisers and the invaluable input from many “behind the scene” staff, who worked assiduously to ensure that this event was well received and gained immeasurable success.
As I vacated the auditorium I felt a sense of belonging and privilege to witness a first class performance of rich Saint Lucian heritage. As a true Caribbean woman, Charles Cadet’s music did connect me to my own haven and acted as a reminder that home is indeed where the heart is. I felt very much at home among my Caribbean people.