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 Holman, Hadeed & Zanda in Concert

It's now 25 years and the music is sweeter than ever as Sanch Electronix Limited celebrates its Silver Anniversary in 2004. Leading off a series of commemorative events will be the launch of two CDs and a Pan-jazz Concert which will be hosted on Sunday 15th February, 2004 at the Learning Resource Centre, UWI from 10:30am - 1:00p.m.

The first album, In Touch is Ray Holman's 2004 nine-track release, which features his own works of musical art. Influences of memories of his Martiniquan grandmother's cuisine led to the composition Red Beans and Rice. Bazodee is an upbeat calypso melody that captures the sound of the minor key reminiscent of the calypsos of the 20's and 30's, while Graziella is a blend of bossa nova and calypso, a lyrical piece with the flute adding colour. According to Holman, "In Touch represents my new sound. This CD reflects my new-found freedom to explore other genres and experiment with different sounds while at the same time keeping in touch with my rich Caribbean roots."

The second CD to be released is a Sanch double, Pan-jazz Conversations, which features Clive "Zanda" Alexander, Annise Hadeed and the Gayap Workshop. Highlights of the fourteen-tracks are Zanda's memorable pieces Mauby Bach, Dry River Blues, Dadu and Reflection on which Fitzroy Coleman and Mungal Patessar are guest solists. Zanda is Musical Director/Arranger for the project, recorded in 1991. This Special Edition double CD is being sold at the '2 for 1' price. Zanda, an Architect by profession, began experimenting with Calypso-jazz in 1959 and has been associated with other local greats like the late Scofield Pilgrim, Ray Holman and the QRC Jazz Workshop for many years. Annise Hadeed has won acclaim at many international jazz festivals for his performance on the unusual 'oversized' soprano pan (of almost three octaves). He also arranges for The Breakfast Band and the Ebony Steel Orchestra - both of London, UK.

The Concert will highlight selections from the respective albums with performances by maestros, Holman, Hadeed and Zanda, accompanied by Mervyn de Gannes (Drums) and Gerald Charles (Bass). These men have commendably upheld responsibility for maintaining the tradition of Pan-jazz initiated by their colleagues. Modern Pan-jazz consists of a fusion of the rhythms and characteristic style of Caribbean cultures such as Calypso, Shango, Raggae and Chutney with traditional jazz harmony and improvisation.

At a recent interview, Simeon L. Sandiford, Managing Director, reminiscent of his 25years in the industry, said laughingly, "There is no better way to celebrate this Silver Anniversary than to be In Touch with Pan-jazz Conversations."

After the Concert light refreshments will be served and Sanch will demonstrate the Meyer Sound Powered Loud Speaker Sound System with vintage Holman 1987-2002 Panorama Arrangements. CDs and other commemorative items will also be on sale.