Jazz musician Jacintho Carty, along with Kasem Thompson, Roelof “Bassist” Matthew and Leonardo Richardson, will be performing at Axum Art Café on Thursday, December 19, for a “Sound’s Colour” event. The talented Carty tells us more about himself and what patrons can expect at the event.
Tell me about yourself; who is Jacintho Carty?
“I was born and raised on the unique island of St. Maarten/St. Martin and I am currently finishing my undergraduate degree with a double major in Music Education and Information Systems and Technology. Once completed, I am planning on pursuing a Graduate’s Degree in Jazz Studies.”
How did you come to become a musician?
“Born on the Dutch side, but raised on the French Side of the island, my musical foundation is outlined with reggae, calypso, gospel and afro-creole styles, such as zouk. I first started on sax when my fifth-grade teacher Mr. Duffis brought in several instruments to show the class - and when I heard the sax’s sound, that was it. However, my passion for jazz was ignited when I first experienced Bobo Claxton and Carlyle Barriteau on stage at the St. Maarten Boardwalk Jazz Festival.”
How would you describe your musical style?
“My musical style is encompassed around the art of storytelling. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the music style of Calypso and artists like Lord Kitchener and The Mighty Sparrow. Their skill with crafting stories in a musical form was captivating. Once I got introduced to jazz, I discovered how emotions could also be interlaced into my music.”
What differentiates you from other similar musicians?
“I believe what differentiates me from others would firstly be my sound, and secondly my confidence and conviction. I believe that without confidence, you won’t hear me and without conviction, you won’t listen to me.”
How has being a musician made you a better person?
“It has helped me to develop an appreciation for patience and also, it has presented opportunities to me to further edify myself not only in music, but also spiritually and mentally.”
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
“What I enjoy most is being able to tell someone a story without actually having to say the words - they can just feel it.”
Tell us about the event you have planned for Axum on Dec. 19?
“The event will be a jazz-filled showcase under the theme: Sound’s Colour. The theme is actually a double entendre: Sound has a colour and sounds can colour. I will be joined by Kasem Thompson - who hails from the island of Anguilla. This young man is someone I am proud to call my brother and someone who I have shared the stage with on many occasions. He is also one of the very few people I can count on whenever I want to present something musical. He received his primary and secondary education over in Anguilla. Despite many of his contemporaries, his journey in music started around the age of 15/16. Since that time, he has accomplished several feats which include: Top Ranked Student for the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Music Examination in 2013; Recipient for Most Outstanding Youth in Arts in Anguilla in 2015; second place in the American Protege Woodwinds and Brass Competition 2017; performed at recital in 2018 at Carnegie Hall. Currently, he is a Music Education Major at University of the Virgin Islands with a concentration in Brass. He plays several instruments, which include most brass instruments, piano, bass guitar, drums, steelpan and voice. Though, for tonight, he will be lending me his talents on piano.
Also, Roelof “Bassist” Matthew - One of the few “older heads” on the island who gives young people like me a chance by not just playing with us, but also giving advice and guidance in the music field. A very honest musician, one that is known around the island as he plays with almost everybody. He will be joining me on bass. And lastly on drums, Leonardo Richardson - a young man that needs no introduction, as he says in his bio: “An international musician who is based in Sint Maarten.” He’s worked with some big names, such as Jimmy Buffet, Kevin Downswell, Lady Saw, just to name a few. His musical career also led him to perform all over the Caribbean, Europe and the United States.”
Why did you decide to coordinate such an event?
“My intention is to actualize a concept that has been missing on the island for quite some time - that is jazz in its traditional sense and form. I believe that, in order to help jazz bloom again on the island, we should introduce it from its core to the general public.”
What is your goal with this event?
“My goal is to re-ignite the zeal for jazz on the island by also introducing myself as an up and coming jazz musician from the island.”
Why should the public support the event?
“I strongly encourage the public to support the event, because (as I mentioned before) jazz, as a genre, has been dwindling in its presence on the island for some time now.”
Most memorable experience as a musician?
“One of the most memorable experiences I have had thus far as musician, would be when the late Bobo Claxton and Winston Maccow told me that they believed in me.”
How would you like people to remember you?
“I would like people to not only remember me for any musical prowess I attain on my journey, but also for the conviction behind my sound.”
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
“The greatest achievement thus far in my life would have to be learning what it means to be grateful. Gratitude has become somewhat of a “lost art” over the past generations (especially mine). Learning gratitude was not only one of my greatest achievements, but possibly one the turning points in my life.”
What musician inspires you most and why?
“The musician who inspires me the most would have to be Art Blakey. To me, his presence behind the drums, arranging skills and technical proficiency (both as band leader and part of a quartet/quintet) was second to none. But what I truly admire about him, was his ability for bringing the “right” musicians to help him bring his art to life.”
If you could play for any audience or person in the world, where or who would you want to play for and why?
“I would love to play at a big Jazz Festival (doesn’t matter where), I would love to share stage with the illustrious Cécil McLorin Salvant and the great Abbey Lincoln. These two ladies have inspired my approach to how I would like to sound on sax.”
How do you unwind and relax?
“Unwinding, I usually read, listen to music or watch something. I read articles on the happenings in the jazz world, developments in music education or a book (right now I am reading The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander). I usually listen to classical, reggae or jazz music. What I watch tends to be between documentaries or comedy series.”
What do you do outside of music?
“Outside of music I dabble in Web design.”
If you have one piece of advice for someone now starting out in the music industry, what would that be?
“My advice would be what my mentor told me: “Stay consistent with your commitment…surround yourself with more experienced players, but above all always play more.”
