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Don't have plans for the weekend? Well here's an offer you can't refuse so be sure to put it on your agenda for this Sunday afternoon, November 2. The cool breezes of Lac Bay will be blowing a welcome for the Cool Breeze Jazz Band arriving from Curaçao to perform at Kontiki for the November concert of the Bonaire Latin Jazz Club. Cool Breeze was the very first group to perform for the club and they returned for an encore appearance the following year. Lucky us … we have them one more time!
With Pierre Dunker on bass guitar they'll be performing in the cool Latin jazz style of Antonio Carlos Jobim. Dunker, a fabulous young performer, is called by many the best guitarist in the Netherlands Antilles. He's flexible in his repertoire and slides easily from the Latin style to more traditional jazz. We can expect familiar selections adapted to the samba rhythm and elegant and passionate tangos as well so we'll expect to see our usual couples on the dance floor taking advantage of the sexy beat. Stanley Betrian, leader of the band, says that his quartet will be offering bebop oldies and good 'listening music' in addition to a variety of jazz styles. Says Betrian, "It's important to learn how to listen" to the music to enjoy it properly. A good suggestion!
The composition of this quartet is interesting. Ronchi Matthews, who plays keyboard, is a professor of music with a Masters degree from the Boston Conservatory. He teaches music and he plays music - what a heavenly combination for a talented musician. Music might not be a hobby for him but playing with the Cool Breeze Band is. Ramon Penzo on the drums loves his music as well as playing gigs with the band. But Ramon has a day job as Secretary to the current governor of Curaçao. Pierre Dunker, base guitar, whom you've met earlier in this article, says to him music is not a hobby; it's his life. He's a professional musician and plays with the band for the sheer enjoyment of sharing his music with audiences throughout the Antilles. And last but not least we have Stanley Bertrian, guitarist by night and lawyer by day. This former governor of Curaçao may still have a day job but I suspect that his heart is with his music.
Playing in the band might be a hobby for these very talented guys but isn't it nice that their hobby is something that they can share with all of us? It wouldn't be half as much fun if their hobby was knitting.
Sunday afternoon at 5 pm is the date and time; Kontiki is the place. Bring your dancing feet and your ears ready to 'learn how to listen.' The jazz will be great as always and the company as well! See you there! Dabney Lassiter
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