WELCOME ALL
There is a growing fascination with the sound of the steelpan in mainstream music circles. The "audacity of creole imagination" that birthed the steelband movement appears to be waning in its influence as more and more steelpan jazz albums are being created outside the corridors of the Trinidad headquarters. In the first years of the 21st century, France has gained traction as a space for creativity and commerce with steelpan jazz. We should not be left too far behind. Bebop and beguine are becoming new musical tropes for a young generation of players from the wider Caribbean.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Vaughnette Bigford, creole chanteuse debuts her album Born To Shine: After many years of teasing and toying with the Caribbean song book, Bigford releases new album of totally local covers. Jabari Fraser offers an opinion
• Djazil and Caraïb to Jazz: With France becoming the focus for much ethnic music and jazz fusion, these two native bands are re-charting the pan jazz continuum in the wider world.
• Jazz Artists on the Greens Souvenir Programme: 1 April 2017, Trinidad. The premier Caribbean Jazz event in Trinidad and Tobago is here once again. Read the programme in this issue.
• Victor Provost, jazz and steelpan: From the Virgin Islands to the world, bebop pannist Victor Provost returns with a new album and a new attitude.
• Etienne Charles' Carnival opus: Heralded jazz trumpeter debuts excerpts from his upcoming grand jazz piece, Carnival: The Sound of a People, in his native Trinidad. An overview from the perspective of a Caribbean writer seeking validation of creole intelligence.

ISSUE #4 ISSUE #6