Music – soul-stirring

Sunday Morning Thoughts – I would have written about my love for music a few months ago; ICYMI you can take a look here https://carolebeckford.wordpress.com/2018/11/18/music-is-the-path-to-ones-soul/

Well, I am back again.

Great place to sit back, relax and enjoy

Music evokes emotions that you never knew you had.

I will go with the positives – happiness, joy, peace, love, adoration and inspiration, to name a few. I would be willing to share some artistes that I think can assist with you with drawing closer attention to that side of you which makes you mellow. Mellow, here, can be defined as a state of soothing that makes you calm and reflective, but with enough joy to make you want to take on the next BIG thing.

I use music to start and end my day. I know by now what gets me going, keeps me in the mood and what will help me relax for a great night’s sleep. I have choices!

Here’s where I am gonna show my biases.

To start the day:

Mondays – gotta choose songs that will motivate you towards a big picture – a way to kickstart the regular work week. I look for up-tempo but groovy tunes. I won’t eb specific with the songs, but I will tell you some of the artistes – Bill Withers, Stephanie Mills, John Coltrane, Bob Marley.

This picture is not mine.

Tuesdays – by the time we get here, we are well in the work week and Friday is approaching so you feel you want to let go – add some soca to the mix, and yes, I am a Bunji Garlin fan (Antigua helped me appreciate soca); you drop in some Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid, Aretha, Michael Jackson and Bob Marley.

Wednesdays – Hump Day Blues – my line of work says I would have already done 40 hours by this day, so I can cruise. No…not so fast, there is a fire to out! And when you get that call, you said “not today” – so you draw for Peter Tosh, Steel Pulse, Angie Stone. You might think, how is that mix even possible? It is a habit I have developed to study the vibe of each singer, and I find I just select the songs each of these days. By the way, Google knows this too and makes recommendations song by song. Someone is always watching.

As we inch closer to Friday – it gets closer to party music, more soca and dance music including dancehall, Beenie Man, Konshens, Kes and a little Usher, Joe and I could go on!

Kes – One of the hottest men in the Caribbean

Weekends now is the refection time – and there is a whole host of folks to choose from, too many to mention. Grover, Donny, Anita, Freddie, James and Bob. You can find a “Bob Marley” tune for any occasion and for any emotion.

Music thrills the soul. Music lines the heart for love. Music drives the emotions of fear away to a place where you can find balance and remain focused on what is to be. Use music as a soul-stirrer. So, while you are trying to figure it out – Life has A Way, to take you Back to Love and you will determine the Point of it All.  #OneLove

PS – One day I will write about my love affair with Marvin Gaye’s music.

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Music is the path to one’s soul

When you are from the place where there is undisputable talent in music and sport, you kinda feel on top of the world wherever you go. Well, I do. And every chance I get I make people know I am Jamaican. I am never ashamed. Even with some of the drama we get into… I use the situations in anecdotes where appropriate and I LAUGH. It is what we are, and because I would not have it any other way. I live with it; I also do the best I can to improve those around me.

Anyway, this post is really about music and what it does to keep my soul in shape.

As a child, I collected records, yes, those circular things that plays on a turntable. I still do, by the way, and I still have a turntable. Those were fun days. My allowance in those years in the 70s and 80s were largely spent on records and books, yes books, I had to read.

I collected the best from Bob, Third World , Vic Taylor, Dennis, Gregory, Marcia, Alton, Beres, Boris, Phyllis Dillion, Pam and Woody, I could go on. For the foreign acts, it was Michael (The Jacksons), Commodores (more Lionel); Earth Wind and Fire, Marvin (all-time favorite), Percy Sledge, Ben E King (the Drfiters), Stylistics, Chilites and Teddy P, to name a few. This Magic Moment

On Sundays, we had a play list of Perry Como, Jim Reeves, Skeeter Davis, Louis Lamour, Dean Martin and then we watched the Matinee. Won’t say much more here, as I am sure you get my drift.

If you are 45 and over you would have this at home

In the 75 – 79 years, I chose dance as a hobby. And we had the most amazing time at the Ewarton Primary School. Donna Summer was on top of the list with some Caribbean calypso and music for maypole. Yes man, I was right in there. Selene, Georgette, Michelle topped the list of artful movers!

As I started going to public events (live shows), I got to appreciate some more artistes and here comes the DJs – Josey Wales, Admiral Bailey, Super Cat; the singers Barrington Levy, Freddie, Dennis, Leroy and the list goes on. Marcia Griffiths was always top-notch. 

So far, after you have read this, you must be wondering, where she got time to study and all those things, well, I am here, and I don’t think I did too badly. Anyway…

Live Shows were a must now in the 90s – every drum knock I was there – yard and foreign. And then the LOVE for Jazz kicked in really good. It was no longer just Sunday music. Jazz became the “savior of my soul” – it became my go to music when I needed comfort, joy and some peace.

So, I did research on some, who have become my favorites – John Coltrane John Coltrane , Miles Davis, Chris Botti, Rod Stewart (he has a wicked selection. When you have time, listen to the Great American Songbook – Volumes I to III. I would go far to listen to jazz. I did New Orleans. I have most of what Grover Washington Jr has ever done. I even met his daughter.

Got a little into Ella and Frank too. In the mid to late 90s and early 2000s I invested some time into jazz groups – Four Play, Spyro Gyra (they came to Jazz Festival in Jamaica) I was overjoyed. Now, thanks to YouTube, you can create your own playlist of any kind of music. My Jazz list comes from Motown and the Breakfast songs. Monty Alexander gives you a fresh, clear and smooth choice, too. 

Could not end this blog without talking about the R&B, Soulful folks. Listening to Lalah Hathaway, Donny Hathaway, Randy Crawford, Anthony Hamilton & Kem gives me life. When I am in a troublesome mood, I go for Jill Scott, Angie Stone Brian McKnight.

The point is, I am not sure what I would do if I did not have music. It has really lined my soul with joy, peace and comfort.

Lots of others to mention. But, one day, I will take you down the dancehall path I trod. The excitement and drive the rhythms that dancehall takes you are like no other. Music is a thrill to the soul of man (in this case woman). I keep adding to my list.

Try listening to Daniel Caesar Best Part , he is groovy and exciting.

Until next time…

Jamaican Twitter dominated by Marleys, Bolt tops the list

Kingston, Jamaica – AUGUST 3 – Less than three weeks before Jamaican track and field athletes take the track in Beijing, China for the World Track and Field Championships, Usain Bolt leads the Jamaicans who have the most followers on Twitter. The six-time Olympic gold medalist has 3.73 million (up to Monday, August 3). With approximately 1.2 million less is hard-hitting batsman, Chris Gayle with  2.54 million. Gayle just produced the most sixes in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League, held in the Caribbean.

In steps the late great, Robert Nesta Marley with 1.34 million. He is complemented by three other members of his family; Ziggy is at #5 with 316,000; Stephen at #6 with 262,000 and Cedella with 77,800 in tenth place. That is a total of just under two million.

Completing the list of ten are from

• #4 Sean Paul – 1.33 million
• #7 Asafa Powell 146,000
• #8 Shaggy 104,000
• #9 – Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce

The total number is estimated to almost 11.3 million followers.

The list, though dominated by men, has two women on the list – double world champion (100 and 200 metres) Shelly-Ann and CEO of Tuff Gong International, Cedella Marley

From: Dale Godboldo – Jamaica Film Festival

Congrats to Carole Beckford and the Jamaica Film Commission on the launch of your Inaugural ‪#‎JamaicaFilmFestival this July 7th!! 🎬

If you didn’t know, Jamaica’s coming out STRONG this year in film and TV. I’ll be showing my support by sitting on a few panels alongside some amazing talent from Hollywood. We’re also bringing out my Executive Producing partner Jeffrey Reddick (wrote Final Destination) to share a little insight on how you create a $650 million movie franchise. I’m hoping to learn a bit from him myself 😉

We’ll be back in Jamaica with Jeffrey, my partner Arthur Wylie, and the rest of the Global Renaissance Entertainment Group team shooting White Witch Of Rose Hall very soon, and I’m looking forward to building relationships with the local filmmaking community on this trip. We’re committed to partnering with the island in a big way, to not only bring attention to the island’s culture, but also to do our part in making real impact in the community through film production and the work of our charities – Arthur Wylie Foundation and Project:NOW / Always In The Club Foundation.

(Btw, the film festival’s sponsored by Red Stripe and Tuff Gong (The Marley Family), so I’ll definitely find a minute to chill and take full advantage of that 😎)

I’m proud to be a part of what I know will be an outstanding tradition in the Caribbean, so I’ll be doing some Periscope-ing and posts while there. Also watch out for my blog post when I get back at www.IAmDaleGodboldo.com.

Stay tuned, and see you JULY 7th from ‪#‎Kingston!

‪#‎JaFilmFest ‪#‎BobMarley ‪#‎Marley ‪#‎Film ‪#‎Jamaica

Jamaica Film Festival holds LA launch

(Los Angeles, CA, March 2015) – Some of Hollywood’s brightest stars and entertainment executives welcomed Jamaica’s film commissioner Carole Beckford recently at a reception announcing the inaugural Jamaica Film Festival. The event was co-hosted by Hon. Consul Lorna Johnson and author/filmmaker/media entrepreneur Paula Madison in Beverly Hills, and served as a kickoff for the festival. JAMPRO, Jamaica Trade and Investment, which houses the Film Commission, will host the festival in Kingston, July 7 – 11.

Among those in attendance were: Shaun Robinson (host of syndicated daily entertainment news program “EXTRA”); film directors Robert Townsend and Bill Duke; actors Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter; and studio executives Bruce Evans and Talitha Watkins.

Ms. Beckford’s recent trip to Los Angeles was an opportunity to engage the Hollywood community with a focus on collaboration and partnership. Jamaica will for the first time premiere over ten films, directed, produced and made in Jamaica in time for the Festival.

The Jamaica Film Festival is to become a marketplace for all in the business from ‘Script to Screen’ to hope for the best return on investment. The five-day event will look at workshop sessions, seminars, B2B sessions and a host of networking sessions aimed at connecting the industry at several levels. The five-day event will operate under the theme ‘Art meets Business’.

Kingston to come alive – July 7 – 11

The Jamaica Film Festival, scheduled for Kingston, July 7 – 11, is shaping up to be a very exciting one showcasing the talents of the best and brightest in the Jamaican film industry. The festival promises to be a dynamic cinematic and cultural event featuring both local and international films. There will be business sessions, workshops and seminars, a music day with workshops and a live reggae concert at the Tuff Gong International Recording Studios. The exclusive beach party planned for Saturday promises to be lots of fun in the sun as well as a visual bliss as the majestic, rolling hills of the Blue Mountains, serves as a backdrop in the distance.

Importantly, work from 13 of Jamaica’s leading directors/producers/writers will premier, parading Jamaica’s content in front of an international audience primarily from the USA, Canada, the UK and the Caribbean; but with interest from a variety of other countries to include Australia, Argentina, Serbia and so many more.

Kingston will come alive with the film festival and patrons will have the unique opportunity to experience why Jamaica’s culture is so infectious. The city of Kingston offers an unparalleled culinary experience, a vibrant nightlife as well as museums and galleries rich in culture, coupled with the warmth of the Jamaican people. 

Kingston boasts having restaurants owned by and named after three of our iconic sports superstars, Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records, Courtney Walsh’s Cuddy’z and Chris Gayle’s Triple Century. In addition, Kingston is home to the fourth best place to have ice cream in the world, Devon House.  Its location was built in the late 19^th century as the residence of Jamaica’s first black millionaire and is a masterpiece of Caribbean Victorian architecture.

Also home to the world-famous Blue Mountain coffee and Reggae Music, Kingston’s energy and vibe will revitalize anyone. A city with the seventh largest harbour in the world and various historic sites, Kingston has a variety of unforgettable experiences to offer that will last for a lifetime.

FILM IS JAMAICA’S BUSINESS

The festival seeks to promote Jamaica as more than just a backdrop location. Jamaica is currently experiencing a creative revolution where it has positioned itself as the cultural powerhouse of the Caribbean, producing outstanding creative products, services and talent. This has led to a deeper focus on developing the island’s creative industries in particular film, with the goal of becoming one of the thought leaders in the industry. The idea is for Jamaica to evolve into being the regional hub for creative talent and services, and having a national film festival will help solidify the growth that has to take place.

With up to five production houses each with over four decades of experience in film and video production, the Jamaican technical skills base in this industry is of world and industry standards. The technical expertise ranges from world-renowned directors to our warm and hospitable drivers, all of whom maintain the passion and drive to make it comfortable for crews to work in Jamaica.

Jamaican TV has evolved and continues to produce relevant, entertaining and engaging content. Home to one of the longest running soap operas in the English speaking Caribbean, Jamaica’s Royal Palm Estate/The Blackburns has set the island’s TV industry a league ahead in the region. The TV industry is looking to continue to create shows that appeal to an international audience.

On the cusp of five feature films being released in the past three years (Better Mus Come, Rise Up, Ghett’a Life, One People and Ring Di Alarm), Jamaica’s emerging film industry has been given new life. More local content is being distributed internationally in countries like the UK, Europe, South Africa and Japan. The growth of the international film industry has set the stage for Jamaicans to further develop as content creators and lends the opportunity for our talent to be in high demand and recognised worldwide.

Prepared by JAMPRO Communications

F: https://www.facebook.com/JAMPROCORP

T: https://twitter.com/Jamprocorp

JAMAICA can host multiple film festivals

KINGSTON, January 4 – Jamaica can and will continue to host a number of film and music festivals. The country’s content and production are of the diversity, quality and brand strength to be able to maintain and sustain festivals for its relevant markets.

The state’s investment and export promotion agency, JAMPRO has secured the services of a number of organisations and professional individuals as part of a continuing effort to market the country’s resources in a number of key sectors, of which film and the creative industry are important. Akin to that is hosting of events, meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars, roadshows, and in this case festivals as mechanisms to showcase the island’s services.

The Jamaica Film Festival 2015, scheduled for July 7 – 11 this year in Kingston is one such event and as the FILM COMMISSIONER, based at JAMPRO, a team is working on delivering this event. So far a major partner, Tuff Gong International has been acquired http://sflcn.com/bob-marley-foundation-partners-with-jampro-for-jamaica-film-festival-2015/

A number of other partners have been pursued (public and private) and those will be announced shortly, to include strategic media partners, local and international. A call for film/documentary projects was announced and 54 projects were observed through pitch sessions. The pitches were seen by a myriad of local experts and a short list has been recommended. The next step is for script experts to match scores from the pitch sessions upon which those selected will be announced for production.

A number of professional development workshops will be held for the teams of the projects chosen to ensure quality and provide the support warranted for the successful delivery of the projects in July.

MULTIPLE FILM FESTIVALS

Though a small country relative to those with longer history with film festivals, e.g. Canada, there is room for more than one. Canada for example, profiles the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as its premier event, while there are at least ten other MAJOR ones with a few themed festivals. There are ten major ones and that does not include the sub festivals while the major ones are going on. So Montreal, Quebec, Vancouver etc have their own.

More and more cities are becoming the venues for film festivals and here is a link for the ones which were the most recommended festivals for 2014 http://www.moviemaker.com/archives/festivals/50-film-festivals-worth-the-entry-fee-2014/

JAMAICA

Jamaica’s layout by parish/county is distinguished by its culture, and with effective planning the indigenous of each area is at liberty, as has been done, the opportunity to plan its own series of cultural events including film festivals. No government or private sector entity can restrict a community; neither will JAMPRO. The nature of the business is one which is open for a variety of projects, but JAMPRO has a mandate and role to determine programmes in the best interest of Jamaica’s export and investment projects.

The Film Festival in July is scheduled for Kingston and it is on – stay tuned to http://www.filmjamaica.com and information will be revealed in a timely manner.

An earlier post here, identifies the role of film festivals in economic activity, read for background https://carolebeckford.wordpress.com/2014/10/30/film-festivals-benefits-to-cities-worldwide/

We invite all those with ideas to plan to keep Jamaica’s brand in check as we seek to promote our services and products to the world. There is room for all of us to exist.

Film, Music and Entertainment – Jamaica is where it all is!

JAMPRO and Bob Marley Foundation sign agreement

KINGSTON, November 26 – In what could be considered a master stroke, JAMPRO, Jamaica’s trade and investment agency signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Bob Marley Foundation on Wednesday to signal both groups’ intention to partner for the Jamaica Film Festival 2015.

Marie Bruce, General Manager, Bob Marley Group of Companies who spoke on behalf of the Foundation, signaled the team’s intention to push the Jamaican message to every corner of the globe. Coming off a recent successful partnership – the Tuff Gong International acquired the global distribution rights for the soundtrack of Jamaica’s recent romantic drama, Destiny.

The company is the region’s exclusive licensee for international recording companies Warner Music Group, Disney Music Group, and Universal Music Group. This means that the movie’s official soundtrack will be released internationally on the Tuff Gong label, as part of the deal with Caroline Music, a division of Universal Music Group. The move, Bruce said, was a perfect fit and the Film Festival is just another way the country’s image can be enhanced.

Also speaking at the briefing attended by a variety of public and private sector representatives, including financial institutions, was JAMPRO’s President, Diane Edwards, who indicated her agency’s mandate to create an environment where “Art meets Business”.

The President added that “JAMPRO’s attempt to consolidate efforts of the creative industries is bearing fruit and the hosting of a film festival in Kingston next July – falls in line with the development and subsequent monetizing of the sector – we deem as important. Jamaica’s reputation in the film industry is largely known as a location for filming, but a film festival is evidence of the industry legitimizing itself and building on the existing reputation of films professionals.”

The Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. G. Anthony Hylton in his keynote says “this marks a truly remarkable partnership in building Jamaica’s cultural and creative industries, and to a larger extent, the economy. Having access to one of the biggest and most renowned Brand in the world is a massive achievement.” The Minister pointed out that having held the reputation of being the cultural and creative powerhouse of the Caribbean, being positioned as the major producer of creative products, through an event like the Film Festival, will help to attract a wide variety of attention and offer us a competitive edge to earn from the film industry.

The Minister has committed his efforts to “make” the location more attractive and competitive by maintaining, upgrading and adding facilities of the highest standards.

Joining via Skype was Paula Madision, CEO and President of Madison Media Management who has offered to sit on the Festival’s Advisory Team. She has extended the reach of her rolodex to bring the relevant persons to Jamaica who she says has a myriad of interests in the business of film making.

JAMPRO’s Chairman, Milton Samuda in his closing remarks pointed towards the shift of JAMPRO in ensuring that the value chain for the industry is recognised and the right eco-system is required to make the sector flourish.

The festival is scheduled for Kingston, July 7 – 11, 2015 and there is a call for films out for Jamaican filmmakers to submit scripts/treatments by December 2 to be considered for selection. Interested persons can go to http://www.filmjamaica.com

Also in attendance were representatives from the Jamaica Tourist Board, University of the West Indies, EXIM Bank, Broadcasting Commission, Ministry of Youth and Culture, Jamaica Intellectual Property Organisation, Toronto International Film Festival, British High Commission, The Hynes Group and the Development Bank of Jamaica

Nesta’s Rock Rehearsal

Almost nine weeks before the grand opening of Nesta’s Rock in Kingston, the rehearsal sessions are going great according to Director, Danielle Stiebel. The Jamaica Musical Theatre Company and Tuff Gong International are partnering for this masterpiece due out January 9, 2015.

The performances are scheduled for the Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts at the University of the West Indies, Mona and will run for seven weeks. A special Broadway-type performance is due on the birthday (February 6) of the late great Robert Nesta Marley, whose life has inspired the piece.

Stiebel and her team are rehearsing up to three times a week to ensure that all acts and scenes are ready. They will move rehearsals to the venue at least two weeks before where the set, costumes and other accessories should be ready. The cast was selected from three hectic days in September this year.

The cast is 50, but the crew and management team almost doubles that number to include sound, lighting, music, wardrobe, stage, front office and chaperones are included.

Samantha Chinyee is one of the writers but doubles as a director for specific scenes. I visited the rehearsal and was delighted at the preparation

The age range runs from nine to 21 and comes from a cross-section of schools in Kingston

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Nesta’s Rock is an original musical production inspired by the childhood of Robert Nesta Marley and follows a young boy, Ness, who is growing up in Kingston with many big hopes and dreams. Nesta’s big dreams are met with some ridicule from his friends and he soon after finds himself on a magical journey, transported to the whimsical farming village of Nine Mile. He is greeted by three mischievous birds, BEEBEE, MIMI and RIRI. Nesta finds himself caught in the hustle and bustle of Harvest day, concerned only about finding his way back home. Instead, he is taken to ‘Kingston Town’ by his friend Nella. Nesta discovers himself and his inner strength through music and in so doing helps an entire town (Kingston Town) of people discover their own power to overcome the difficulties they face; a true legacy of Bob Marley and his music. The production will also see the remake of popular Bob Marley tracks, such as Trench Town Rock, Redemption Song, Could You Be Loved and others.

According to CEO of the Marley Group of Companies, Cedella Marley who has authored the children’s books ‘One Love’ and ‘Three Little Birds’, of which, the latter produced a children’s musical of the same name earlier this year, “The Group through Tuff Gong International is very happy to be associated with the upcoming production as the life of our father Bob Marley continues to inspire the young and the old as we continue to spread his positive message to the younger generation”.

Producer at JMTC Danielle Stiebel noted that “the Jamaica Junior Theatre is indeed honored to be given such an opportunity of creating a Jamaican musical centered on thelegacy of Bob Marley. This is a great opportunity for the the Company and Musical Theatre in Jamaica to truly showcase its international appeal and reach. Very happy persons can experience another of the many facets of Brand Jamaica”

Three Little Birds Hits Broadway

Bob Marley Musical for Kids Jammin’ in New York, Mark Kennedy, The Associated Press, January 27, 2014

A snowy, frigid New York is about to enjoy a blast of Caribbean warmth courtesy of Jamaica and its most favorite son, Bob Marley.The New Victory Theater in the heart of Times Square is putting on “Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds,” a new musical for kids that features the legendary reggae artist’s songs.

“I want Daddy to speak to children through his music,” says Cedella Marley, the first-born daughter of Bob Marley and Rita Marley and who helped create the show.

The story centers on Ziggy, a shy Jamaican child who hides from his fears – hurricanes, mongooses and evil spirits – at home, watching TV. A bird, his mom and his nagging neighbor coax him out to face his demons and enjoy life. Cedella Marley hopes it can bring “a little bit of Jamaica to kids who probably never heard of it.”

The tropically colored musical includes the title song, “Three Little Birds,” as well as “Jamming,” “Roots Rock Reggae” and “Is This Love,” among others. It’s even got the melody from “I Shot the Sheriff,” a sly note to the adults in the room.

It was inspired by the 2006 picture book written by Cedella Marley and Gerald Hausman about the Bob Marley song of the same name. Michael J. Bobbitt, the producing artistic director of Adventure Theatre MTC in Glen Echo, Md., worked with Marley on turning it into a musical.

“It was sort of fun to put it all together and figure out what songs would weave well with the story,” says Bobbitt. “I really think it showcases the gravity of his work and the breadth of his work.”

Recommended for anyone 5 or over, the show’s message – get over your fears, enjoy your life, things get better – is as all-embracing as Bob Marley’s music, which refuses in 2014 to sound out-of-date.

“There’s something in the beat that he really fine-tuned that I think is infectious. It’s a beat that can be felt in a universal way,” says Bobbitt, who helps run the D.C.-region’s longest-running children’s theater.

“But beyond that, I think that his songs and his messages and his feelings of good vibe and just enjoying life are also something that’s universal and infectious.”

The show opens Feb. 7, the day after what would have been Marley’s 69th birthday. His daughter, a mother of three boys, finds the timing bittersweet and hopes the musical will continue her father’s legacy.

“We all know the worries of the world are just getting bigger and more heavy, especially for our children. For Dad’s birthday, it’s crucial for him to remind them that, no matter what, every little thing will be all right.” The show plays at the New Victory until Feb. 23.

Three Little Birds has been nominated for the Helen Hayes Awards http://theatrewashington.org/hh-awards-nominees/2014