James Clarkson to be honoured during Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari

Steelband composer and arranger, James Clarkson.

HIS contribution towards the sustainable development of the local music industry cannot be questioned and on Saturday, June 29, he will be honoured with a Legends Award.

The prestigious Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari Legends Award will be presented to Grenada’s best-known steelband composer and arranger, James Clarkson, at the festival’s Opening Concert in Mt. Cinnamon Garden. The presentation will be made by the Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel, Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture.

The first Naniki Caribbean Jazz Legends Award was presented in Barbados to Trinidad-born and Barbados-based pianist, Ebe Gilkes, for his sterling contribution to the jazz movement in the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua’s Winston Anthony Bailey received the second Jazz Legends Award for his contribution to jazz and music in general in Antigua.

Clarkson was born in Grenada on April 21, 1944, and has had a distinguished lifelong career in music with early exposure at the age of 12. He later joined the Royal Grenada Police Force Band, appeared on stage with his father’s band and by 17 was a member of the Trinidad Defence Force Band as lead arranger and first trumpet player.

By 23 years of age, he was the Director of Music of the Royal Grenada Police Force Band and soon became the arranger for the very successful Republic Bank Angel Harps Steel Orchestra, a post he still holds today.

The awards ceremony and presentation of the citation will be a highlight of the opening concert of the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari, with performances from Peter ‘Zack’ Bernard (Grenada/USA), Derek McKeith’s Blues Band (USA), and Quiet Fire, who will bring to an end an exciting first night of music. (LS)