WE ARE indeed relieved to hear that jazz great Ernie Ranglin is recuperating after an accident in Ocho Rios, which had his truck totally written off last Saturday. Persons in the other vehicle involved in the accident were also badly injured, but to date there have been no reports of deaths.When The Gleaner checked, Ranglin was resting comfortably at home and related that he was still doing tests, but was fine except for some minor pains. We wish the 'great one' a full and speedy recovery.
Music and violence
Many in the entertainment business are not too happy with the apparent connection between the music and crime and violence made by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson in his recent address to the nation. Many of the players in the music industry believe that artistes and producers are being used as scapegoats for the inability of the Government to do its job. If the truth be told there might be some truths in the Prime Minister's position. The glorification of violence can have a harmful effect on young impressionable minds giving the signal that anti-social behaviour is indeed acceptable. On the other hand, one recalls that the Prime Minister called a meeting last year with some of the key players in the entertainment sector. This should have been the start of a dialogue between the Government and the entertainment sector, we have not heard much more about this since then.
Interestingly, Louise Frazer-Bennett pointed out on the "Breakfast Club" that the "Presidential Click" had last year called entertainers together last year to discuss the issue of violence in the lyrics. What is therefore clear is that the Prime Minister's position is not unique, with regards to the need to tone down the promotion of violence in our music.
Ce'Cile's Changez
Well, the career of young artiste, Ce'Cile Charlton seems to be on the rise. She was recently in the United States with Beenie Man filling in for R&B star Mya at the B.E.T. Block party at the Apollo in Harlem. The event was to mark the moving of the B.E.T. headquarters from Washington to New York. Other artistes on the show included Wyclef Jean and Erykah Badhu.
Ce'Cile's single Changez a song in which she bashes a number of Jamaican deejays is fast becoming a hit. Incidentally, she noted in the song that she did not want Beenie Man, because his 'body look weak'. Clearly, Beenie Man has been unaffected by the comment.
Incidentally, Elephant's "De Truth A Go Hurt Dem" is another song which is in the witty vein of Ce'Cile's song. We hope we will see some introspection in songwriting. Clearly, these songs show some thought though The Truth is somewhat insensitive regarding people's disabilities.
Jennifer Small's
outside broadcast
We don't usually listen much to the radio except on some occasions when we are in our car, but we must say that we had a chance to listen to Jennifer Small doing an outside broadcast on one of the Government-controlled bus routes and must agree that she does have something going for her. She plays music which seems to belie her youthful years. We are not sure whether she chooses her music or not, but all we can say is that whoever is making the selection is doing a good job.
'Man Talk' doing well
Had a chance to watch Man Talk on TVJ and must commend host Leachim Semaj and producer Dennis Howard for a job well done. The informal, but penetrating way of dealing with serious topics seems to be gaining favour with viewers based on reaction we have noted to the programme. Gentlemen, please keep up the good work.
