Rude Boyz string band
Following is a release by the Montserrat Tourist Board- Culture Division in collaboration with the Rude Boyz String Band announcing the release of their first Album ‘Revival’, launched officially on Thursday, 14th March 2013, 8:30 PM at Gary Moore Wide Awake Bar in Salem, as part of Rhythm Night on the St. Patrick’s Festival Calendar.
The release last weekend, said there will be guest appearances from De Beer and others. This collaboration is two-fold aimed at raising the profile of our rich musical heritage and fundraising initiative for our Christmas Festival 2013.
On offer will be the Rude Boyz 10 track album including classic tunes such as Beloved Montserrat, alongside popular folks songs like ‘Fine Twine’ and Salem Gal’
The Rude Boyz String Band was started around 1997 and today is one of the islands most popular string bands. The band is captained by Joseph ‘Primo’ Silcott on Ukulele, and second man Alston Cabey on Tumba. Other members include: Jester ‘Iceman’ Weekes on Guitar & Vocals , Winspere ‘ Punch’ Thomas on Mouth Organ & Vocals, Johnathon ‘Taman’ Thomas on Triangle, Norris ‘Nall’ Duberry on Gradge , James Nathaniel Allen on Guitar and Reuben Lee aka George Gerald on the Boom Pipe.
All are invited to attend what will be a media launch and party to remember. Everyone is encouraged to come out and support this venture and by so doing contribute to the revival of our indigenous music.
In publicizing this album there will be a series of promotional videos this year including the making of the Album, where you can get to know the band members and the instrument’s they play.
What sets The Montserrat String Bands apart is that most of the instruments are locally made, from local materials, for instance, the boom pipe is made from 1 ½” metal pipe, the triangle 3/8’s steel rod and the Gradge has been made by local tin smith’s. Local craftsman still involved in the art of making these instruments include, Papa Samuel and the Semper Family from Davy Hill.
These instruments work together in pure harmony will the mouth organ bringing out the basic melody, rythmn on the ukulele, a triangle with it’s ringing, tingling sound , a gradge with it’s shak-shak shake, and the boom pipe which emits a sound echoing that of a stereo set with the bass turned up to high volume, giving depth and body to the harmony of the band. All this amidst the heartbeat of the African Tumba drum. The music of The Rude Boyz String Band truly brings alive the native spirit of our island and ancestors.
Until the 1960-70s almost every village in Montserrat had its own string band and despite the drum machines, synthesizers, digitalization, internet downloads and ubiquitous DJ, the island can still boast active groups. It is a credit to person’s like Joseph Silcott, Martin & Budkin that the Island can boost active groups like the Rude Boyz and The Oriole String Bands.
Traditionally string bands played for no more than the joy of the music, a plate of food and a drink. A new generation of heritage-conscious Montserratians active in the Culture Division are now sensitizing islanders and visitors of the importance of ensuring respect and hopefully remuneration for these folk heroes. The overall aim being to preserve and develop one of the region’s most distinctive and delightful hybrid musical forms.
We are also taking the music viral with a website http://www.rudeboyzstringband.com, going live during the St. Patrick’s Festival 2013. Social media networks including TUMBLR, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST and YOUTUBE are also being worked on.
The CD will also be available for sale online, and at a number of stores on island, including Karishma’s, Arrows Manshop, Johnny Mecca Fashions, Last Chance Souvenir Shop, The Montserrat Tourist Board, and Little Bay Public Market Retail Complex.
String Band ‘Revival’ – Bringing back we Culture
