REVIEW: Alison Hinds and Thandiswa Mazwai deliver stellar performances at Pan Jazz 2012!

On June 16^th, Abstract Entertainment presented Pan Jazz ™2012′s production of Music – The Original Social Media which took place at the Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center, in New York City.

The 8th annual highly anticipated event featured an all star ensemble of some of the Caribbean and the world’s greatest musicians, with two stellar headliners, Africa’s very own Thandiswa Mazwai and Bajan Soca Queen, Alison Hinds.

This year’s Pan Jazz ™was conceptualized by Darryl Ramsey, who solidified that, music is indeed one of the original forms of social media.

Mino Cinelo, Leon Foster, Victor Provost and Jacques Schwarz-Bart backstage at Pan Jazz 2012.

Jazz aficionados were pleased to hear the musical arrangements by the all star band, under the directorship of trumpeter, Etienne Charles and featuring Victor Provost and Leon Foster Thomas on the steelpans, world famous Ronald “Boo” Hinskon on guitar, Jacques Schwarz-Bart on the sax, Damon DueWhite on drums, Etienne Stadwick from Suriname, with first time appearance by South African Bassist Bakithi Kumalo and Mino Cinelo.

The all -star musical team aroused the crowd with jazz renditions of vintage calypso and Caribbean favorites as well as their modified versions of classical pieces.

Thandiswa took concert-goers on a musical pilgrimage to the motherland. The sounds of the African drum, a source not only for entertainment, but a vessel used as a communicative tool. With the rhythmic beats of the drum fused with the jazz elements of the steelpan and classical instruments, Thandiswa delivered an intriguingly arousing performance. With her seemingly primal screams, reminiscent to mating calls, the voluptuous mohawked beauty, delivered her sound over intoxicating melodies coupled with the infectious movement of her waistline, to sensual reggae beats accompanied by her intermittent foot stomping.

Thandiswa surely is Miriam Makeba reincarnate.

During her flawless performance, she took the time to acknowledge Youth Day, as June 16^th marked the anniversary and remembrance of Soweto’s student-led uprising comprising of 20,000 students back in 1976.

More photos of Pan Jazz 2012 can be found HERE.

Alison Hinds sure knows how to captivate a crowd.

As one of the most popular Caribbean performers, the Soca Queen chose an eclectic and electric mixture of her music to serenade those in attendance. The Bajan artiste started her set with an acoustic version of her hit song, “Roll It Gal,” adorned in a floor length sequined Jewel Shannon gown.

The bodacious and curvaceous star turned it up a notch, tearing apart her detachable gown to reveal an eye-popping mini and then later on, changing again, into a sliver bejeweled short Zena-like Soca-warrior-princess number!

Alison’s repertoire included some of her biggest hits to an equally engaging crowd, who were literally moved to their feet.

Abstract Entertainment dedicated Pan Jazz™ 2012 to the memory of the legendary Ralph MacDonald.  The Grammy-award winning percussionist, producer and songwriter of hits such as “Where Is The Love” and “Just The Two of Us” passed away December 2011.

The lovely engagement was hosted by Former Miss Universe and current Pan Jazz™ Ambassador, Wendy Fitzwilliam, who did an outstanding job with her duties and looked lovely during her two wardrobe changes.

Who else could’ve delivered a show based on sending a message – the origins of social media, than two phenomenal women (with the help of dynamic men). For we all know, women can surely deliver a message and create an impact!

Thandiswa and Alison, we heard you loud and clear!

Great job divas!

Jay Blessed with Thandiswa Mazwai with Pan Jazz creative director, Darryl Ramsey

 

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RIP: Grammy Award winning Trinbagonian Ralph MacDonald dead at 67.