J9QUARTET feat. Jeanine Ruiz
The future of jazz composition and performance in the Caribbean is happening now. J9Quartet is a new collective of young musicians led by a formidable keyboardist, Jeanine Ruiz. A graduate of both UWI and UTT, Jeanine is a composer, arranger, producer and sound engineer making her debut on the Greens in 2018. Jeanine's influences range from local jazz piano icon Dave Marcellin to international pianists including Japanese star Hiromi, Michel Camilo from the Dominican Republic, and jazz legends Bill Evans and Chick Corea. With this eclectic range, it is no wonder that Jeaninie says that "her compositions are described as 'Fusion', which does not fall into any specific genre but comprises many styles based on Trinbago's multiculturalism and other world music."
Adan Hagley
2018 marks the Jazz Artists On The Greens™ debut of Adan Hagley, Trinidadian pianist, composer and arranger who is also a Berklee College of Music graduate. Since returning to Trinidad, Adan has been freelancing as a pianist with many of the country's top acts including Vaughnette Bigford, Clive Zanda, Andy Narell, Tony Paul and Dean Williams to name a few. As a composer and arranger he has also been freelancing for a variety of media including film music for award winning local films. Adan has recently taken up the role of bandleader of his highly regarded nonet to perform his original compositions and arrangements, and he has been making the rounds in the local jazz festivals including Point Fortin Jazz and North Coast Jazz.
Elan Trotman
Contemporary jazz saxophonist Elan Trotman from Barbados has quickly become one of jazz's most thrilling and emotive performers as he continues to stand out and push boundaries as a composer, performer, teacher and recording artist. He has found his groove with the deliberate fusion of island rhythms with the tropes of smooth jazz. Trotman’s playing, though inspired by Grover Washington, Jr., Kirk Whalum and Najee, displays his own fresh ideas and distinctive tone. So much so that the New England Urban Music Awards, and The Barbados Music Awards both named him Jazz Artist of The Year on multiple occasions. As a recording artist Elan has topped the Billboard Radio Charts over 10 times. As a solo artist charting songs include "Heaven In Your Eyes" feat. Brian Simpson, "Tradewinds" feat Peter White, "Master Blaster", and "As" feat. Lin Rountree, "Thoughts of Summer" feat. Will Downing, and "Smooth N Saxy".
"JAM ON THE GROOVE: A TRIBUTE TO RALPH MACDONALD" starring Tony Paul
Whether it is "Mister Magic", "Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington, Jr. or "Where is the Love?", and "In the Name Of Love" by Roberta Flack, or the eternal jams like "Calypso Breakdown" and "Jam on the Groove", Ralph MacDonald has been the songwriter who brought these timeless classics to the world. Jazz, funk, or calypso were among the genres that Ralph mastered. Back in 1971, he even wrote an album of calypso tunes for Harry Belafonte, among them "Don't Stop the Carnival". In 2018, Jazz Artists On The Greens™ will celebrate this "trini to the bone" — Ralph was born in Harlem, NY to famous Trinidad calypsonian Macbeth the Great and never abandoned his musical roots — with a tribute by the JAOTG All Stars led by leading saxophonist, Tony Paul, along with special guests. A popular recording artist and educator in his own right, Tony Paul celebrates the wide range of MacDonald's compositions.
