The Tony Terrell Caribbean Jazz Quartet presents a unique blend of musical style, Reggae, Calypso, Jazz, Latin and R&B. The band's diverse repertoire of listening, and dancing music is appropriate for any occasion from an intimate cocktail hour to an out of door concert festival.
Tony Terrell, Steel pan player, founder and bandleader, is the featured instrumentalist in the group. He has performed extensively around the Tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) for years. His jazz influenced playing style gives the group a distinctive sound while still maintaining the traditional Caribbean flavor. Terrell has appeared and recorded radio commercials for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines accompanied by jazz flutist, David Valentine, a tribute to the Beach Boys and the music of Brian Wilson; played with Neil Furio and has appeared on the same stage with Olu Dara.
Barbara Jean English vocalist, song stylist, recording artist songwriter and lead singer of the girls group, “The Clickettes". She is the composer of the famed classic recording “lover's Prayer" and other songs recorded by Dionne Warwick and Patti Austin. As an entertainer, Barbara has performed throughout the world-Paris, Japan, London (where she's considered an icon)- Canada, and the USA. Her smooth, silken vocals bring a unique blend to Terrell's instrumental voice.
Seku Tonge, master Percussionist, has been diligent on the music scene from the late 1970's to the present having traveled, taught and performed his music domestically and internationally. Seku's expertise has been accomplished based in African tradition by nature. These styles include musical flavors from Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica and both traditional and contemporary Congolese music from the Bantu people of Central Africa. Many of the artists that he has performed with consist of a long history of musicians that have contributed to the diverse sounds that we have danced to or have heard on the airwaves. These artists include Leon Thomas, Eddie Jefferson, Olu Dara, David Byrne of Talking Heads and George Clinton to name just a few.
Patrick Adams rounds out the group contributing his skills as an independent record producer, songwriter, engineer, keyboard player and band arranger. His song writing credits include “Push, Push in the Bush" “Caught Up In a One Night Love Affair", and “Keep on Jumping".
The New York State Music Fund published guidelines and criteria and accepted grant applications in a number of categories, including music education and public performances of music by artists working in hip hop, reggae, fusion, jazz, classical and folk music of all cultures. Applications related to recording, distribution, or broadcast through traditional or new media were also eligible. Special emphasis was placed on reaching underserved populations and broadening awareness of artists, genres or styles with limited access to commercial broadcast or other mass distribution vehicles. Awards to the 218 grantees represent every region of NYS and range from $10,000 to $500,000. Diverse forms of popular or experimental music, including indie rock, salsa, electronic, fusion and reggae account for almost 37 percent of grants and more than 15 percent celebrate a spectrum of jazz; nearly 25 percent include new classical music.
About Circuit Productions, Inc. Circuit Productions, Inc. was founded in 1986 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, production and preservation of the uniquely American art forms of jazz and tap dance. Our mission is to inspire, entertain and educate underserved audiences in New York through performances, public classes, workshops, and arts education programs featuring senior artists of color who are living legends of the city's rich tap and jazz history. Annually, Circuit provides booking and management services for senior and emerging artists; placing performers in museums, public libraries, community- based organizations, local colleges, public schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
