Durrant Pate/Contributor

Jamaican International saxophonist, Verlando Small has announced his two-night headline concert series dubbed ‘Reimagined’, slated 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. Small chose Mother’s Day weekend  for his first headlining concert for one reason explaining, “my mother believed in me… even when I was too small to survive in the hospital. She never gave up on me when I could not read at seven. When others would make fun of me, she’d say, you’re gonna be ok! You’re gonna grow up and be somebody and you’re gonna make me very proud.”

That unwavering belief led to him being accepted into UWI to pursue and complete a Bachelor of Science in Geology with a minor in Geography. UWI Mona Campus is also where he built on his instrumental talent at The Phillip Sherlock Centre, the venue for the intimate concerts.

Expect a fabulous show 

Executive Producer, Nicole Osborne, shared that patrons should expect a fabulous show. “The vision is about musicians’ talent and gifts on display to celebrate them. The centre has 250 seats, with no standing room, so we are producing a premium and intimate event for music lovers and mothers,” Osborne said.

Verlando Small is the only non-vocalist to win Jamaica’s Digicel Rising Stars talent competition over its 20-season history. He displayed talent through genre-fluid renditions across jazz, reggae, soul, orchestral textures, and contemporary worship.

At the recent concert series launch Small emphasised that now is the time to bring players of instruments to the fore as they are the backbone of the industry. 

According to him, “We [musicians] are at the centre of every bad riddim, every number-one hit, every sold-out tour, every studio session, and secretly in the hearts of billions worldwide through our contributions to the culture. Yet still, we seldom amount to more than ‘bands man’. We’re not seen as a necessity, but disposable.” 

He said there are many allies in the industry who need to be amplified and multiplied. “Jermaine Edwards was the first artiste to invite me into his world after Rising Stars… I actually met him through gospel night. He’s been a mentor, brother and gave me the space to develop,” Small said. 

Continuing, he remarked, “working with his experienced band rapidly nurtured my growth as a saxophonist. Where I am today would not be possible without his contribution, as well as that of Troy Palmer. Meeting them, as well as their investment in me, has been a blessing.” 

Small hailed Edwards as an advocate for musicians and ensures that all their work is fairly compensated. The musician corps will be out to support the Verlando Small Reimagined concerts in May. The productions will be backed by musical director Evan Mason, alongside Nicholas Groskopf, Joe Davis, Colin Phillips, Brandon Benjamin, Robert Malcolm and Keneil Delisser.