innis_francis@yahoo.com
Veteran musician Michael Boothman has released a new album of songs with T&T’s Independence Day in mind.
He gifted the nation with an album songbook that aired on various radio stations and through his website at https://www.michaelboothmanmusic.com or email kysofusion@gmail.com on August 31.
Boothman collaborated with local artists including Clarence “Bunny” Charles, Isa “Issa” Abdullah, Orville Roach, Danial Bishop, Genissa St. Hill Aire, Omari “Soco” Wright, Joshua “Supayouth” Salcedo, Conrad Roach, Simon Mendoza, and Stefan Boothman on a body of work so diverse it showcases orchestral compositions that add to Caribbean music.
His musical repertoire placed him at the forefront of the development of soca music in the 70s, and he believes that each track represented one of the various musical styles that inspired him to create music.
Internationally, Booth has shared the stage with music greats like Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Shaggy.
Hailed as one of the fathers of smooth jazz in the Caribbean, he was also one of the first Trinbagonian musicians to be signed with a multinational recording label RCA.
Boothman, who is from a very artistic family, has been involved in music all his life. At age 14, he founded the musical combo Rockefellas and produced hit singles and an album for RCA labels.
He formed a succession of other bands, including The Family Tree the Mike Boothman Band and Kysofusion.
He is a songwriter, producer, bass player and guitarist.
One of the highlights of his career was an extensive 30-city tour of Europe as a Bass guitarist with internationally acclaimed artiste Taj Mahal. He opened major acts for Kool and the Gang, the Commodores, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Third World, the Pointer Sisters and Groover Washington Jr.
His musical Odyssey has taken him into the realm of theatre where he became involved with the Trinidad Theatre Workshop and served as a musical director for The Charlatan under Walcott’s direction.
This latest musical initiative for Boothman projects Independence Day to be more than the nation’s birthday as it also celebrates his independence as an artist.
Communications and PR Alette Liz Williams said: “He is now free to create, record and release music through his studio and recording label, Poui Tree Studios, based in Port-of-Spain.”
Boothman said: “In celebration of our Nation’s independence, and as an independent artist, I’m delighted to present my new album SONGBOOK. The album is a compilation of musical genres with jazz, Latin vibes, and most importantly, our national instrument, the pan.”