Andr Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

(From left): The members of Gumption band are Phanso, Duke, Bassie, and 16. Contributed

Hot off their recent stint as a backing band for the Jamaican delegation to the 2007 Midem Music festival in Cannes, France, the members of Gumption band are ready to embrace a brighter future.

"We had a very good experience in France. We realised the market for reggae music is so huge. It makes us want to get back here and make good music," said band leader Rolando 'Phanso' Wilson.

Gumption was indeed the backbone of the showcase. The band facilitated several rehearsals with the performers to ensure that the showcase was at the highest quality. On the night of the showcase, the praises kept coming and some are ready to place them in the top reggae backing band. This came after the band managed to keep the tempo sizzling hot.

With Midem out of the way, it is now time to tackle a few more projects. High on the agenda will be the quest to add a voice to the band, literally. Gumption hopes to start recording songs and in order to do so,they will need a vocalist.

"We are trying to reposition the band. We are known by many as a backing band, but we want to put out some recording. We are not saying we are no longer a backing band either," Phanso said.

What is now the Gumption band went through a few changes with members and name before everything was cemented in 1994. Almost 13 years later, they have accomplished one of their major goals by finally owning their recording and rehearsal facilities. Not bad for a group that once had to settle for odd jobs at barbecues and other small functions.

They were a talented group and when Beres Hammond needed a band, a link was made between the two by music producer Clive Hunt.

"Playing with Beres was great ... Things started looking up. We got the experience of touring and he took us to the studios," Phanso said. That experience made the band stronger and more vibrant.

Keyboard player Dwight Dawes, bass player Isaiah Palmer and guitarist GT Thompson, along with 'Phanso', will also be embarking on collaborations with other artistes. Fans can look out for the first of such works as early as this year, which should include songs by Lymie Murray and Jah Mason.

While they remain enthused about the future, they want Jamaicans to start paying more attention to the music. Phanso said music is a great thing and can only come from the Almighty.

"Musicians in general are underrated. They are not given what is is due to them and I am not talking about payment, but recognition ... I myself have to wonder how when I hear a piece of music. I can't explain it, but it can only come from the Almighty," Phanso said.

Andre.Jebbinson@gleanerjm.com