The Tribune

By FARAH

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

NOW that her first self-produced concert has proven to be a success Bahamian singer Anuschka Wright is looking forward to hosting more events that will help develop the jazz community in the Bahamas.

The Jazz in Bloom concert also marked Father’s Day and paid tribute to fathers in attendance at the concert on Sunday at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel.

The show brought together musically savvy artists such as Adrian D’Aguilar, on bass, Tina Raymond from Los Angeles on drums and Christian Sands from New York on keyboard. There were also performances by vocalists Osano Neely, Josh Lynes and Ralph Munnings on the saxophone.

One person who attended wrote on Facebook: “That was amazing! You looked devine, glamorous and elated. The room was blown away with your talents. Looking forward to the next one.”

Anuschka told In Ya Ear: “The concert was excellent. Very professional, and world class by far. It was refreshing to be a part of such an event and patiently await the next!”

Anuschka said: “The event was just beautiful. My guest singers all brought their A-game. The musicians performed extremely well and the music was just sweet. The songs I personally enjoyed performing was a sweet arrangement of the song ‘You Don’t Know’, ‘What Love Is’ and my favourite blues tune ‘Stormy Blues’ by Billie Holiday. I felt as a band unit, we really connected and the result was pure magic.

“I am a bit of a perfectionist so I always see ways to improve, but on the whole, I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the event,” said Anuschka.

Anuschka is considered the newest face of jazz music in the Bahamas. She has covered the music of jazz greats including Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.

The musician said there will be more events like the Jazz In Bloom concert that will serve to give jazz musicians a platform to showcase their talents.

“I find it so interesting how everyone is already looking forward to the next event. I have to say, I am very flattered that people enjoyed themselves enough to want to come and support me again. Honestly I have only been flirting with the ideas of other events, but with such a great response and such wonderful feedback I might have to consider a bit more seriously.  Right now though, I am just going to take some time and enjoy the success of this event,” she said.

Anuschka has been singing since she was a child, in school and church choirs. She was also a member of the Bahamas National Children’s Choir.

Despite being a versatile performer she fell in love with jazz music and hopes to develop her skill in the area.

“I am a full time musician in the Bahamas so having a bit of versatility goes a long way in helping get consistent work. So I sing, everything from pop to reggae. I enjoy performing as well. I love jazz because I feel that jazz music, in and of itself, is one of the best examples of life and how life should be lived to the fullest. That aspect of it helped to inspire the name behind the concert, Jazz In Bloom,” said Anuschka.

“Jazz is a music that requires people. Like baseball is a game of individuals. Jazz is a music of individual masters. The expression of the music relies on every person having done their own personal work. It relies on everyone bringing their A-game, their concentration and focus. When the music hits, jazz demands your attention, or you just won’t have that magic being created. So really I guess the process to the expression of jazz is what I love most about the music. Everyone’s experiences intertwine to create magic,” she said.

“Life inspires me. I genuinely love music. I love jazz, and I love what I am doing. So all of that adds up to my inspiration. Love and life.”

Anuschka is planning several other jazz events. While her immediate plans involve studying music formally, she hopes to also develop the jazz community locally.

“I plan to take every opportunity that may arise to gain more experience in jazz and music at large. I intend to continue to share my talent in The Bahamas and abroad. I am very excited for the future and to see it being filled with lots and lots of music,” she said.