In the reports written about David Rudder's 60th birthday concert at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, last Saturday night, overlooked for mention was the work of the accompanying musicians and the collective role they played in ensuring the featured artiste delivered what, by widespread comment, was a quality product.
Many of us may not have spared a thought for the many years of musical knowledge and experience that existed on that stage, as we focused on the stamina and instant recall needed by Rudder to deliver his 50-odd songs. Maybe we were blissfully unaware that those songs could not have sounded as good as they did if those musicians had not been working at building their craft over the years. The various styles Rudder performed–pop, reggae, R&B, calypso–would not have been possible without the musicians knowing these styles and playing the quality of accompaniment necessary.
Most musicians usually specialise in a particular type of music, although many now branch out into different genres and work in more than one area of the profession. The job, however, requires high levels of skill, expertise and dedication, and the musicians do their jobs simply because they have a passion for music and a strong desire to perform.
Most people have no idea what it really means to be a working musician. Even musicians and music industry "experts" seem to have no real grasp on the day-to-day lives of what some refer to as the "musical middle class." But just like a doctor, salesman or truck driver, they work hard at their jobs to earn money.
A musician is expected to be in good musical shape, show up on time for rehearsals, to study the music beforehand, to know the songs (melody, lyrics, changes and form), to perform reliably and expertly at the gig, and (very importantly) have a good attitude. This is what being a professional musician means.
Rudder has always ensured that lead guitarist Wayne Bruno and the band Rapid Response are the professional musicians who accompany him at his gigs, where possible. The music they provided last Saturday night–sharp horn lines, fancy guitar work, and throbbing percussion–along with the competent harmonies of the back-up singers, allowed patrons to enjoy, to the max, Rudder 6.0.
Fans of Rudder will have a second bite at the cherry tonight, when he makes a guest appearance at the weekly Caribbean Night, featuring Pelham Goddard & Roots, at De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp), Woodbrook. Showtime is 9.30 pm.
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These are the people behind the music who need to be recognised for their input:
Wayne Bruno–Guitar
Kenneth Baptiste–Keyboards
Jeremy Ledbetter–Keyboards
Albert Bushe Jr.–Bass
Barry Howard–Drums
James Fenton–Congas
Vernon Headley–Percussion
Haydn Robin–Trumpet
Allan Nelson–Trumpet
Pedro Lezama–Saxophones
Kensa Thomas–Trombone
Stephen Villafana–Trombone
Cherise Browne–Background vocals
Stacey Sobers–Background vocals.