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The musician corps at the centre of Verlando Small Reimagined has trumpeted that it is time for instrumentalists to step front and centre.

The ‘band’ spoke candidly at the launch of the shows curated for May 9 and 10, at the Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. The series will be presented by Verlando Small Reimagined Production Team and Aureum Luxe Entertainment. The productions will be backed by musical director Evan Mason, alongside guitarists Nicholas Groskopf and Brandon Benjamin, percussionists Colin Phillips and Robert Malcolm, multi-instrumentalist Joe Davis, and producer/engineer/musician Keneil Delisser.

At the heart of the conversation was a shared truth that live music cannot exist without musicians and renewed dialogue around the role, value and future of musicians within Jamaica’s live entertainment ecosystem. The Verlando Small Reimagined launch brought together respected figures from within Jamaica’s music industry, including industry veteran Tommy Cowan and legendary tenor saxophonist Dean Fraser.

Cowan said: “It’s all a circle. This is not the first time [for musicians to be at the forefront], from the days of Ernie Ranglin, Tommy McCook, Dan Drummonds, and the list of musicians like Dean Fraser, who actually played put themselves in a space of excellence. It’s back down to the [musician’s] personal responsibility, ambition and assignment and purpose in life.”

Ask To Receive

The issue of self-advocacy is one of the recurring themes for musicians.

International saxophonist and Reimagined show convenor, Verlando Small, challenged musicians to elevate their role within the industry by expanding their knowledge and contribution. 

“If we want more as musicians, we have to be willing to be more,” he asserted. “Having a seat at the table requires vision, ideas and an understanding of the business.” 

Small also called for greater inclusion in production discussions, noting that musicians often go above and beyond to ensure a show’s success. “We’re not going to make a show fail…we [musicians] always give more. Inclusion and fair compensation must follow.”

As the season 10 winner of Jamaica’s Digicel Rising Stars in 2013, Small received massive exposure as the only non-vocalist to win the talent competition. His talent shone in saxophone renditions in contemporary worship, reggae, jazz, and soul.

The musicians also highlighted the indispensable contributions of musicians and the urgent need for structural, cultural and business reforms.

Grammy Award-winning guitarist Nicholas Groskopf underscored this reality. 

“Live music couldn’t happen without the musicians. All musicians are stars in their own right, but it’s a team effort.”

Yet, despite their central role, many musicians feel sidelined. “There’s a lot of times when it feels like we are in the backseat and forgotten, and then when it comes to showtime, people are scrambling. Yet, we are a very important part of the show,” Groskopf added.

The discussion pointed to gaps in the organisation and execution of live productions locally. Groskopf noted that while Jamaica’s music industry is globally respected, the systems for level and structure can improve, particularly in how musicians are integrated into planning and production processes.

Percussionist Robert Malcolm echoed this concern, pointing to a culture heavily reliant on verbal agreements. “We live mostly in a verbal community…but nobody is following up in writing,” he said. “There’s no paper trail, and that creates confusion around expectations, rehearsals and compensation.” He stressed the importance of clear communication and documentation to protect both musicians, producers, and promoters.

To The Forefront

For the show’s musical director, Evan Mason, the solution begins with visibility and opportunity. 

“We need more platforms, more events where musicians can express in the light and not just as backup, but on the forefront,” he explained. 

While acknowledging standout figures like Dean Fraser, Monty Alexander and Dennis Rushton, Evan emphasised that these are exceptions rather than the rule. “We are giving people an experience. Our contribution is valid; we just need more opportunities to showcase that talent.”

Beyond performance, the conversation also tackled the often-unspoken realities of the business side of music. Mason urged musicians to embrace difficult but necessary discussions: 

“Learn the business. Have the uncomfortable conversations, because that’s where the money is. Most times, just being clear with paperwork and contractual agreements makes it easier for everyone,” Mason said.

Importantly, participants were clear that the conversation is not about criticism, but about growth and accountability. “We’re not bashing anyone,” Evan noted. “We’re looking within ourselves as musicians; we have work to do. We want a seat at the table.”