in Montserrat. I gave up playing the sax after trying to practice in my New York apartment. Someone next door would always bang on the wall. I was forced to reconsider my instrument. I decided that the guitar was the most logical choice. I have studied Jazz with Chuck Wayne, Bob Yellin, and Frank Hewitt. I improved on my reading skills by studying with Otis Harley. I studied voice with Mark Anthony, and Opera with Conchita Antunano.
I played the Blues, R & R, R & B and Funk in New York blues clubs. I played straight ahead Jazz in Harlem and the Bronx but could not make a good living at playing these genres; so, I returned to my roots of Reggae, Calypso, and Latin etc. I also played as a sides man with many famous entertainers. See credits
Who were the most influential musicians in my life? Several were. In the beginning, my life long friends:-
- Sam Ramdial (Chet B) (guitarist, bandleader) - who showed me the augmented and diminished chords and scales along with their perspective placement. He also introduced me to the songs of the pioneer British group musical icons "Cliff Richard and The Shadows."
- John (Cubie) Bayley (guitarist, vocalist and hula hoop champion of Guyana) - who taught me all the progressions in every key. I had to demonstrate my ability before him in a test where he called each key and progression at random before he signed me off by saying, "I've taught you all that I know, you are now a guitarist."
- Colin Wharton (Bumble) (guitarist, bandleader)) - who introduced me to his style of playing with a sound and phrasing.
- Douglas Daniel (Mickey Dee) (guitarist, vocalist) - with whom I practiced. Through him, I also developed my song repertoire.
Art Work: Jake Commander
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