WESTERN BUREAU:
IF THERE is anyone who had a hand, note or word in his Evolution album, Tony Greene thanked them on Wednesday night.
The noted saxophonist paid his kudos to musicians, engineers, studios, media, his distributor and many others as he wrapped up the speaking part of the launch event, held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel in New Kingston.
He soon abandoned speech for saxophones and, along with a crack set of musicians, displayed the range of Evolution, from the ska of Carry Go Bring Come to the breathtaking melody of Roof Over My Head, as well as the reggae rock of his own Get Up, Get Up.
Dressed in full black, Tony Greene addressed his instrument as it fit the piece, rocking to Harder They Come and closing his eyes for a languid, lovely version of Should I.
In accordance with Tony Greene's 'thank you's, a wide cross-section of persons filled the New Kingston hotel's Jonkanoo Lounge to see Evolution off to a good start. However, it would have appeared that quite a few old friends met, as at times the din of conversation was deafening and even disturbed the event.
This prompted Carlene Cowan, in asking for the Almighty's blessing on Evolution, to ask for extra concentration on the spiritual. "Yes, we need to close our eyes and block out distraction," she said.
Fae Ellington, guest speaker and Entertainment Advisory Board chairperson, was much more down to earth in upbraiding the talkers.
After asking those who were talking to pause for the launch cause and not making much headway, she put her foot down and voice up.
"Maybe it will go better if I say it in Jamaican. Me a beg oonu hol' it dung a de back. Is about the fourth album launch I have attended and the same thing happen. It is most disturbing!" she said.
There was silence - than applause.
While Tony Greene made his saxes do the talking very effectively, Evolution got good endorsement from various quarters. Ms. Ellington placed the album in the context of Tony Greene's musical development. "On this project Tony makes musical statements. He asks musical questions. He satiates the musical appetite. His craft has improved, his skill has improved," Ms. Ellington said.
Donna Chin, who gave a synopsis of Tony Greene's musical life, from the influence of 'Sister Iggy' through the military band and Roots Radics to his 1990 solo debut with Groovin Sax, said "It (Evolution) marks not only the progression of Jamaican music, but the coming of age of a fine musician."
Jamaica Federation for Musicians (JFM) president Desi Young said that "Tony has come again with a collection of great songs, well executed," but he was soon into the meat - or beef - of his address.
"I don't know who was watching the Miss Jamaica Universe. I got some calls from some Jamaican musicians. It was like we were watching Miss Puerto Rico - pure Latin music," Mr. Young said.
"Dem ting deh a disrespec'," Mr. Young said. "We a watch Miss Jamaica an' is like we no know which country we dey."
"We would like the promoters of such events to consult and use the rich Jamaican music that is available," Mr. Young said.