GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Local musicians KK Alese, The Gary Ebanks Quartet + 2, Triple Play, Notch & Club Dred and Impulz will fire up the stage at this year’s Cayman jazz fest from November 29th to December 1st.
Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Charles E. Clifford, JP, congratulated this year’s local jazz fest performers and said that it was truly amazing to be able to select from such a rich pool of talent. “Each year our goal is to provide a diverse and talented local line up. All resident bands will get the opportunity to perform alongside the international acts at the annual Cayman jazz fest,” said the Minister. “And I urge everyone to come out and support our performers.”
The local bands will perform alongside international artists Brian McKnight, Chaka Khan, Dianne Reeves, Musiq SoulChild, BeBe Winans, Mike Phillips, Monty Alexander, Joe and Alex Bugnon over the annual three-day jazz fest.
Triple Play – Thursday November 29
The electric combination of neo-soul genres, Caribbean spice and the group’s silky smooth grooves makes Triple Play a tantalizing performance not to be missed. This group consists of three sets of families hence the name Triple Play. The Wilks brothers – Michael on bass, Fredrick on keyboards and Lenford on drums – make up the first corner of the triangle and like many musicians they learned their crafts through playing in church. The Hudson brothers comprise the second corner of the triangle with Ben on lead guitarist and Paul as lead keyboard player – they also honed their musical skills in church. The final corner of the triangle is band leader and saxophonist Devon Edie who is actually the brother of KK Alese. He has been playing the sax since his first year of high school and has gone on to perform at many events throughout the Island.
Gary Ebanks Quartet + 2 – Friday November 30
Gary Ebanks Quartet + 2 is a collection of players who have worked together for many years on various projects. Led by Gary Ebanks, saxophonist, percussionist and vocalist, the band comprises Jonathan Ebanks on guitar; Roger “Bugs” Wilson on bass and lead vocals; James Sedgley on the drums; Jeff Japal on the keyboard and Keith Millar on the trumpet. Fusing together Caribbean and contemporary music, the Gary Ebanks Quartet + 2 is sure to have you swinging to the beat.
Notch & Club Dred – Friday November 30
The smooth and sexy voice of Notch combined with the crème de la crème of Caribbean musicians that make up Club Dred, makes for an eclectic stage performance. Performing, recording and touring since a young boy, Notch leaves a lasting impression each time he steps on the stage. This local artist has shared the stage with the likes of Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Garnett Silk and Dennis Brown.
Impulz – Saturday December
Impulz has performed with many international artists including Maxi Priest, Damian Marley, Richie Spice and Third World. The band plays a variety of music from hip-hop, blues, rock and reggae, and is know for its energetic performances. Originally made up of three members from Bodden Town, the group is now comprised of lead singer Rex Watler; Rennard Powell on the drums; Edward Frederick on the keyboard; Mark Hydes on the bass guitar; and background singers Stephanie Webster and Audrianna Rankine.
KK Alese – Saturday December
Long after she leaves the stage, the incredible talent of KK Alese continues to resonate with audiences both young and old. Born to a Jamaican father and Caymanian mother, KK Alese expresses her appreciation for various musical genres by fusing reggae with elements of jazz, R&B, hip-hop, gospel and blues to produce her own unique soulful sound. KK Alese’s vocal styling is a throwback to the great soul divas of yesteryear combined with influences from some of today’s favourite contemporary artists, including Anita Baker, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Jimmy Cliff, Jill Scott and Angie Stone.
The weekend-long festival is organized by the Department of Tourism in partnership with BET J and offers visitors and residents a chance to enjoy sweet jazz sounds just steps away from the Caribbean Sea.
The Cayman jazz fest is sponsored by BET J, DMS Broadcasting, British Caymanian Insurance, Tropical Shipping, Cayman Free Press, Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa, Comfort Suites, Coconut Car Rentals, Tropicana Tours, Red Stripe, Breezes by the Bay, Chicken! Chicken! and Cimboco.
