It's cold and raining in London, the weather is gloomy and depressing however, TJJ still attended PoisonUK's press conference at the Trinidad and Tobago's High Commission. Machel Montano, David Rudder Benjai and Roger George were present to discuss their scheduled performances for the upcoming Carnival weekend in London. Friday 24th 2007, Machel Montano HD & Friends live in concert and Saturday 25th 2007, a special PoisonUK All Inclusive event with a promised performance by King Michael David Rudder - all events to warm us up for Notting Hill Carnival 2k7.

After minor introductions by Konata Alleyne, the master of ceremonies, Mr. Montano presented a few words to the audience. Immediately commenting on the weather and ensuring us that during his show (and after) the sun would return to the skies, he explained his passion for Soca and Calypso and why he is still in the business. Mentioning great mentors like Lord Kitchener, Mighty Sparrow and David Rudder, he remembered when he was the only youth at that point in time of his life listening and supporting the culture. Praising the youths at present he was very proud to recognize and be apart of the young generation as he has seen a vast difference in the support that they have brought to the table. Explaining the meaning and concept of the band's new name "Machel Montano HD", he divulged the possibility of another change or even a minor upgrade to the HD - high definition - concept. Finally, Machel pointed out the primary concept of his show - the resurrection of Calypso/Soca in London. "In the earlier years, before I was born, Calypso was very well known in London and quite famous in the days of the older heads. I believe that with his show, I can ignite a spark which would rejuvenate the culture in London so that it can be recognized more than ever," Montano explained. Quite possible - the man has a vision - we will give him that and support that idea.

David Michael Rudder took on the media next and basically reiterated what Machel preached and basically thanked all responsible for bringing together the events that are due to be scheduled for the weekend - especially PoisonUK. The floor was then opened up for Q&A. When asked if ever a collaboration with David Rudder would be done, Machel stated that a collaboration was already done and more maybe done in the future. About highs and lows in his career, Montano explained that the highs in his career are everyday when he wakes from his slumber and still feels the need to be in the Soca industry and continue doing what he is doing presently; while the lows in his careers (even though not explained), he simply stated that he has experienced them and they have all helped him to become who he is now since every stumbling block is a learning process.

The recent charges pressed against Montano was quite a topic and with ease he simply explained that because he is so popular he will always have this attention towards him. Further saying that his friends and liming partners have made a pact to go out less and stay indoors and have fun i.e. record music. How do they intend to help Soca/Calypso reach a higher level? Both David and Machel responded with humility stating that there is only so much they can do i.e. performances, push the songs on the radio, try to utilize the internet, try to provide Soca/Calypso on iTunes (since the world is ever evolving around technology) as well as supporting each other locally and internationally.

Mr. Rudder gave a short story about his 1987 song "Madness", and remembered a line containing the word "weed", and as a result the song was pulled from the radio because of such. Furthermore, he explained the thought process of certain radio station managers who makes the decision not to play a song in the Winter because it's suitable for the Autumn. Drawing these stories together, Mr. Rudder basically said that there is only so much that the artistes themselves can do to push Soca/Calypso to higher level but it takes more than just the artistes. We hope the radio station representatives who were there today heard that!!!

Rudder also explained to the audience that he started in the Calypso business since he was ten (10) years old and noted that only at age twenty-one (21) did he reach 'super stardom' status and pointed out that youths need to be serious and stick with it because he stressed on the fact that you do not get superstar status over night, and it is easier to make mistakes, fall and pick yourself back up when you are younger and not when you are at his age - since he has been in the business forty-four (44) years - which makes him fifty-four (54) [yeah he told us his age .... he old! LOL .... but still in de business strong strong strong] So youths in the Soca business, stick with it ... you will reach the stars ... remember the sky is the limit!!

Moving along, a final question was posed to Roger George and Benjai inquiring about the experience they had working with Machel Montano and how it has affected them then and now. Benjai gleefully described his experience with Machel as a bread and cheese sandwich - a "sure" sandwich - it is bound to pass the gas! Basically he was trying to say that his collaborations and time working with Machel was just exceptional; and will give you sure hits! George shared similar views and mentioned that he has been doing things on his own and will be very happy to rejoin Machel on stage and possibly do more collaborations in the future ... **hint hint**

At the end, Poison UK director Wendel Clement briefly thanked everyone for coming out and expressed his excitement for tomorrow's concert. Afterwards, the various representatives of the press and radio stations got an opportunity to conducted interviews or simply chat with the artists. So you know TJJ had to get a 2007 update from Machel for our viewers (see TJJ Interviews).

The Rezzarek Concert will be held on Friday 24th 2007 at the Apollo in Hammersmith, London and we expect it's going to be a spectacular one after hearing so many good things about his performances at MSG in New York, and several countries (Belgium & Sweden) in Europe. Remember, according to Benjai and Rudder - "Only in Soca could bread 'n cheese be a 'sure' sandwich"!!

Amiel for the TJJ Fam
Always Forward Never Backward

====================================
Related Galleries
2007 Notting Hill Carnival Coverage