…a sampling of Jazz news deserving of a post rather than a roll, a blogroll
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It is hard enough to ‘make it’ as a musician in any genre, anywhere. It is harder still to create an impression on the Caribbean Jazz map. There is one singer who is neither shy about her attempts to ”make it” nor fickle on her determination to create “an impression.” She is Trinidad’s “Jazz Singer” Vaughnette Bigford.
Bigford has been honing her skills as a chanteuse even before she thought about doing Jazz music seriously. The 33 year-old from South Trinidad has been singing casually since childhood, but never took it seriously until 2003 when her husband, recognising that she not only has the talent, but the drive to succeed as a singer, planted the seed in her mind - a future as a Jazz singer. I take it that she had demonstrated such an unrivalled passion for the music.
But first, Bigford needed to do something about her vocals. So she accessed voice training both locally in Trinidad and further afield. Starting at home, she was coached by Cristiana Balbosa and Jessel Murray of Trinidad. Also, she studied with Howard Rees in Toronto, Dr Barry Harris, vocalist and educator Sheila Jordan and pianist Hank Jones.
Having improved her chops, Bigford “…then started off singing with Carlton Zanda and the Coalpot Band…” She went on to perform with the band at the San Fernando Jazz Festival for three straight years. Another major date for her was the 2004 Steelpan & Jazz Festival (formerly Pan Royale) where she was the guest vocalist with Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and Phase II Pan Groove. Bigford’s last foray at San Fernando Jazz Fest was in November 2007.
Mark Lyndersay of lyndersaydigital.com had something to say about that: “Vaughnette Bigford-Griffith hijacked Ray Holman’s set with a blues number and on Ray’s own compositions with her rich, earthy voice and Holman, always a laid back and uninvolved performer content to let his sticks do his talking, let her have it.”
So what are her thoughts on Jazz? “Jazz allows you freedom of expression - the ability to improvise or express yourself through the music. I love Jazz music because that’s what I know. That’s what I grew up on as my grandparents often listened to vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughn and I listen to Carmen McRae, Diane Reeves and Thelonious Monk.”
Largely a solo artiste now, Bigford depends on Jazz guitarist Theron Shaw who arranges most of her music, bassist Dougie Redon, drummer Richard Joseph, and tenor pannist Mikhail Salcedo among others for musical accompaniment.
She has already named Shaw as one of a number of arrangers she intends to draw on for an upcoming solo CD. No date has yet been announced for either the recording or the release of the album.
One of the last spotlight performances for Bigford was her role as a featured soloist on The Return of the Hat, A Special Tribute to Lord Kitchener during the Trinidad and Tobago Steelpanand Jazz Festival on October 20, 2007 held at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s.
For Bigford, her most noteworthy performance to date was her solo act at the YMCA’s”Sister in Song.” This was a Caribbean Jazz concert featuring Trinidadian greats like Mavis John and Chantal Esdelle.
Should you be in San Fernando on Saturday, March 08, you can find Vaughnette Bigford in concert at the Mon Repos Community Centre. And next Thursday, March 13, she will be on at the newly opened Satchmo’s Jazz Lounge and Restaurant in Port of Spain.
Then in April, Bigford is off to New York, NY for the International Women in Jazz Annual Festival from April 05 -06. Rounding off her April dates will be a gig at Mt. Irvine Beach Resort in Trinidad’s sister island Tobago on April 27.
The Collective presents Trinidad’s Jazz Singer.
16 responses so far ↓
Kester // March 10, 2008 at 9:08 pm
For the few times that I have heard this upcoming jazz vocalist, she is truly gifted with a remarkable voice that captures the essence of jazz. I wish her all the best in her musical career.
Israel // March 11, 2008 at 8:48 am
I have not heard her sing yet Kester since she is unrecorded. However, through our chats on this blog and in observing how she is crafting her career, I have a good feeling about her.
By the way, would you be the Kes of “Kes the Band?”
Merissa // March 11, 2008 at 9:22 am
She is a vibrant and brillant human being and I know that she will be successful in her future aspirations because she has the determination and best yet the talent and skill.
So look out Patti La belle here she comes. Love u chica.
Israel // March 11, 2008 at 9:27 am
I am relieved to find out that my gut feeling about Vaughnette’s ability is not misplaced. Now we can’t wait to see her rise up to the top, right Merissa?
Ivor Evelyn // March 11, 2008 at 8:42 pm
you are simply awesome,keep it up
Kesha // March 11, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Your performances that I have seen proves that you are truly a captivating entertainer and blessed with tremendous talent. Keep reaching for the stars….
Israel // March 11, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Take my word for it folks: Vaughnette is a regular visitor to this site and will certainly read and appreciate all the words of encouragement you can lavish on her.
Neis // March 12, 2008 at 10:58 am
I know that god has put that drive, passion and will in your soul; and singing is a true reflection of him. Keep up the great work for I know it will take you higher…
KC // March 12, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I got one on you guys. I’ve known Vaugnee since she was five. I was one of the fortunate teachers to have met this funny, brilliant, unbelievably talented little brown-eyed girl. I’m not surprised at her talent. Matter of fact, she has not scratched the surface of her unique abilities. So! Watch out world, here comes my daughter.
Love alwayz,
“yuh done know”
Israel // March 12, 2008 at 10:23 pm
You don’t have to wash it all in my face KC.
But yeah! I’m watching. I’m watching.
Selvyn C. Lewis // March 13, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Well I was happy to read the article on Mrs Bigford not because the info was new to me but because more people may get the opportunity to know and share in the ‘greatness’. I use ‘Greatness’ not because I’m a fan (and I am) but because its a fact. Check out some upcoming shows and be the judge
Israel // March 13, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Thanks Selvyn.
Our main goal at the Collective is to expose the greatness in our Caribbean artistes, especially those who are ‘woodshedding’ in the Jazz clubs, festivals and other circuits without widespread acclaim.
And for your information, the Collective is all of us Jazz aficionados wherever we might be.
So share the article within your circle and let the name Vaughnette Bigford be known as far and as widely as possible.
Shimone J // March 13, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I’ve heard my parents say “vaughnette could relll sing” on numerous occasions but unbelievably I’ve never witnessed her perform or anything of the sort to date. But I look forward to that day with great anticipation. (my wedding, maybe?)lol
I know she’s going to make it BIG; the sky is the limit. All the best in your future endeavors Vaughnette. And don’t forget the One who got you to where you are today and who’s going to take you even further.
Israel // March 13, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Well said, Shimone.
Seems to me that your parents are “really” with it. I guess then they would really like to have Vaughnette do the honours at the nuptials. I’m serious.
Mark Lyndersay // April 2, 2008 at 1:23 am
Hello
Can you link the photo of Ms Bigford back to my website as well?
I’ve also posted a review of this year’s Jazz Artists on the Greens that you may find interesting.
Israel // April 2, 2008 at 10:13 am
Most definitely Mark. We make it a point of duty to cross and back link with respect to original work.
On the second, the first thing that came to mind this morning is that we must begin to compile material reviews on Jazz Artists on the Greens. I am happy that you have done one because frankly, there is such a dearth of quality writing on Jazz events by Caribbean writers.
Finally, we salute you for your piece on the San Fernando Jazz Festival. The information you provided created quite a buzz among our readers. I trust that they all tracked back to your site and will stay with you.
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