Moyenne continues to dazzle

They are a local band that encompasses Caribbean Jazz sheerness and brilliance. Moyenne has been on the Jazz scene for the last ten years. The band was founded in 1998 when pianist Chantal Esdelle joined her friend and steelpan player Glenford “Kevin” Sobers who had spent several years touring Asia with a contemporary Caribbean band. It was a true meeting of musical minds and their mandate was clear: they wanted to create and perform their own unique sound in Jazz music representing their combined Caribbean experiences. Soon, and percussionist Donald Noel entered, over time the line-up gradually broadened to include resident bassist Douglas Redon and steelpan player, arranger and composer Darren Sheppard (drums).

 

Esdelle who also possesses a degree in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music and a Masters in Ethnomusicology at York University is a true patriot, and throughout their musical career, the band have performed standard jazz repertoires and Esdelle’s existing Caribbean jazz portfolio. Being true believers of patriotism Moyenne extended their performing platforms and featured other local musicians.

Seasoned travellers Moyenne has performed as far as Boston and as close as Dominica; festival appearances include the Havana International Jazz Festival, the Grenada Spice Jazz Festival, the Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan and Jazz Festival, Pan Ramajay, and Jazz Artists on the Greens.

 

The group’s signature album New Hope incorporates elements of calypso, Cuban sounds and Bossa Nova and featured bassist Moses Auguste of St. Lucia, drummer Sean Thomas, guitarist Theron Shaw, and flautist Michelle Marfan of Trinidad and Tobago. Other musicians that have had the pleasure of performing with Moyenne include pannists Jason Baptiste and Duvonne Stewart, percussionist Tamba Gwindi and drummer and pannist Darren Sheppard. You can find Chantal Esdelle and Moyenne at the Tobago Jazz on the Beach, Mt. Irvine Beach Resort, Tobago, April 2012.