Contributed
From left Colin Smith, Tracey Wilkins, Dr. Trevor Mair, Al Peabody at the launch of Wilkins' jazz album covering Bob Marley's music.Eddie J. Grant, Freelance Writer
TORONTO:
The sounds of several of Bob Marley's popular songs could be heard reverberating through the Montreal Bistro Jazz Club in downtown Toronto recently. It was definitely not the same tempo reggae lovers are accustomed to.
Nevertheless jazz singer Tracey Wilkins who recorded the CD Bird Of Paradise, was loudly applauded for her jazz interpretation of the tracks selected.
Montreal-born Wilkins has two previous jazz albums to her credit and more than a decade of experience as a jazz vocalist. She has performed throughout Canada, the United States and Europe.
The 11-track CD, which includes songs such as Three Little Birds, Is This Love, Could You Be Loved, Redemption Song, Natural Mystic and Waiting In Vain, is currently available at most record stores across Canada and the United States.
The project is the brainchild of Jamaican-born Toronto dentist Dr. Trevor Mair, a self-styled discographer, music historian and record collector, is also behind the growing success of the album, seeing to it that the word gets out about this special recording.
Other principals involved are Orville Green, Astor Val-Hacket and former Toronto resident Dwight Whylie.
Dr. Mair told the audience at Montreal Bistro that he had been thinking about this project for several years, but was probably waiting for the right singer to come along.
Thanking them for their wholehearted support he expressed gratitude for finally seeing the recording to completion.
Dr. Mair singled out radio host Colin Smith, who has a jazz programme on CKLN Radio 88.1 FM and jazz aficionado Al Peabody, whose show can be heard on CIUT Radio 89.5 FM. Both Jamaicans he said had given the CD invaluable promotion. It was reportedly being played on several radio stations in Jamaica.
Bird of Paradise is currently receiving a lot of positive reviews. Jamaica's Consul General in Toronto, Stewart Stephenson, gave it thumbs up with his own review, saying: "Tracy Wilkins' attempt at interpreting Bob Marley's music, must be seen from three perspectives -- from the point of view of lovers of jazz, from the original genre, reggae and from the point of view of a lover of music, generally."
He also described the CD as a worthwhile addition to any music collection, saying it's "soothing, very relaxing and makes for easy listening."
Several well-known jazz musicians have previously produced albums, covering Marley's compositions. Most notable among them are Lee Ritenour, Charlie Hunter who did a remake of Marley's classic Natty Dread album and Monty Alexander's 1999 release of Stir It Up.
