Monday, December 31, 2007

Bring In The New Year With Saida Baba Talibah

Don't miss this beautiful documentary, screening on Bravo! New Years' Day at 7pm.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Don't Miss SAIDAH BABA TALIBAH on Heart Beat This Tuesday @ 7pm on Bravo!

WORLD TELEVISION PREMIERE: JAN 1 2008

SAIDA BABA TALIBAH: STEPPING OUT

Saidah Baba Talibah is a truly gifted performer, who possesses a refreshingly energetic personality and a presence that exudes a shimmering warmth. Her voice, powerful and inspiring, holds a deep-seated sensuality and a soulful mastery rivaled by such music legends as Minnie Riperton and Etta James. Her versatility tickles your senses and speaks to your heart. She is a respected performer, who can command an audience and hold her own on stage.

Directed by:Mars Horodyski

ARTIST PROFILE: Following in her mother's footsteps, jazz singer Salome Bey, Saidah has found her own voice in this multi-talented family. Saidah has sung back-up for Divine Brown, Maestro, By Divine Right, Alannah Myles, Damhnait Doyle, Roger Hodgson(SUPERTRAMP), Dennis DeYoung(STYX), HERO(DarpMalone & E-Dot), Zaki Ibrahim, Syreeta Neal, Saukrates, Jully Black, Marc Jordan, Redman and Res.

View the trailer here.
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CaribbeanTales and Leda Serene Films are proud to present...
in association with Bravo! and Gayelle The Channel (Trinidad)

"We all have a heart, which is a drum, beating the rhythm of life..." Muhtadi, Master Drummer.

Heart Beat is a 13 x 1/2hr documentary series that profiles Canadian-Caribbean musicians and explores the hearts, minds and worlds of some of Canada's most dynamic musical creators.

Thirteen beautifully crafted point -of-view documentaries profiling artists like: Master drummer Muhtadi, World-beat band Kobo Town, Juno award-winning trumpeter Nick "Brownman" Ali, MOJAH, steel pannist and cultural activist Ian Jones, Cuban singer/songwriter Alex Cuba and Canada's still unbeaten Calypso Queen Macomere Fifi, to name but a few.The series is created and produced by award-winning filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, and directed with panache and passion by Lana Lovell, Safiya Randera, Paul Nguyen, Andrea Stewart, Justin Lovell, Mars Horodyski, and Alberto Suarez.

Grateful thanks to Steve Stober for allowing us to use the photo above of Muhtadi.

Don't Miss SAIDAH BABA TALIBAH on Heart Beat This Tuesday @ 7pm on Bravo!

WORLD TELEVISION PREMIERE: JAN 1 2008

SAIDA BABA TALIBAH: STEPPING OUT

Saidah Baba Talibah is a truly gifted performer, who possesses a refreshingly energetic personality and a presence that exudes a shimmering warmth. Her voice, powerful and inspiring, holds a deep-seated sensuality and a soulful mastery rivaled by such music legends as Minnie Riperton and Etta James. Her versatility tickles your senses and speaks to your heart. She is a respected performer, who can command an audience and hold her own on stage.

Directed by:Mars Horodyski

ARTIST PROFILE: Following in her mother's footsteps, jazz singer Salome Bey, Saidah has found her own voice in this multi-talented family. Saidah has sung back-up for Divine Brown, Maestro, By Divine Right, Alannah Myles, Damhnait Doyle, Roger Hodgson(SUPERTRAMP), Dennis DeYoung(STYX), HERO(DarpMalone & E-Dot), Zaki Ibrahim, Syreeta Neal, Saukrates, Jully Black, Marc Jordan, Redman and Res.

View the trailer here.
**************************

CaribbeanTales and Leda Serene Films are proud to present...
in association with Bravo! and Gayelle The Channel (Trinidad)

"We all have a heart, which is a drum, beating the rhythm of life..." Muhtadi, Master Drummer.

Heart Beat is a 13 x 1/2hr documentary series that profiles Canadian-Caribbean musicians and explores the hearts, minds and worlds of some of Canada's most dynamic musical creators.

Thirteen beautifully crafted point -of-view documentaries profiling artists like: Master drummer Muhtadi, World-beat band Kobo Town, Juno award-winning trumpeter Nick "Brownman" Ali, MOJAH, steel pannist and cultural activist Ian Jones, Cuban singer/songwriter Alex Cuba and Canada's still unbeaten Calypso Queen Macomere Fifi, to name but a few.The series is created and produced by award-winning filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, and directed with panache and passion by Lana Lovell, Safiya Randera, Paul Nguyen, Andrea Stewart, Justin Lovell, Mars Horodyski, and Alberto Suarez.

Grateful thanks to Steve Stober for allowing us to use the photo above of Muhtadi.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Gifts of Laughter and Music

Season's Greetings from all of us here at CaribbeanTales and Leda Serene.

Looking for a gift to give this Christmas? Trinidadian author and artist Valerie Belgrave's historical romance novel Ti Marie is launched in the US this month, and can also by ordered online @ Amazon as well as www.valeriebelgrave.bravehost.com

“Ti Marie” is a truly great read that everyone will enjoy. Valerie Belgrave brings to light wartime, racism and slavery aspects, in this wonderfully creative and outstanding novel.”
-Ghostwriters Literary Reviews

“A novel of real imaginative power.”
-Trinidad Guardian

"A novel for those looking for something meaningful as well as entertaining to read."
-Daily Express

IN OTHER NEWZ: We have been busy, busy, busy finishing our music series Heart Beat. On Tuesday Christmas Day, the 5th episode will be broadcast on Bravo!

Gifts of Laughter and Music is the story of the relationship between flugelhorn player JoJo Bennett and singer/saxophonist Fergus Hambleton. The two came together in 1980 to form The Sattalites, first as a teaching vehicle which developed into a nationally renowned band. Jo Jo's deep reggae roots melded with Fergus' love of '60's pop vocal harmonies creating a unique flavor. Sattalites fans continue to gather to hear them at the famed Orbit Room on College Street.

ARTIST PROFILE
Pioneers of the Canadian reggae movement, The Satallites came together in 1980. They have performed at thousands of shows, at universities and clubs both here and in the US and were the first Canadian band to be invited to perform at Jamaica’s "Sunsplash".

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CaribbeanTales and Leda Serene Films are proud to present...
HEART BEAT
in association with Bravo! and Gayelle The Channel (Trinidad)

"We all have a heart, which is a drum, beating the rhythm of life..."Muhtadi, Master Drummer.

Heart Beat is a 13 x 1/2hr documentary series that profiles Canadian-Caribbean musicians and explores the hearts, minds and worlds of some of Canada's most dynamic musical creators.

Thirteen beautifully crafted point -of-view documentaries profiling artists like: Master drummer Muhtadi, World-beat band Kobo Town, Juno award-winning trumpeter Nick "Brownman" Ali, MOJAH, steel pannist and cultural activist Ian Jones, Cuban singer/songwriter Alex Cuba and Canada's still unbeaten Calypso Queen Macomere Fifi, to name but a few.The series is created and produced by award-winning filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, and directed with panache and passion by Lana Lovell, Safiya Randera, Paul Nguyen, Andrea Stewart, Justin Lovell, Mars Horodyski, and Alberto Suarez.

Grateful thanks to Steve Stober for allowing us to use the photo above of Muhtadi.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Don't Miss ALEX CUBA on Heart Beat Tuesday 18th @ 7pm.

4th in our series of documentaries HEART BEAT profiling Caribbean-Canadian musicians,
"The Making Of Alex Cuba" is the Toronto Star's Choice for this Tuesday night viewing!

From the Cuban countryside to rural British Columbia discover, we present Juno winner Alex Cuba.Director Safiya Randera's gorgeous documentary observes the artist in his emerging success as an international musician, from recording in Havana's famous Egrem Studios through behind-the-scenes footage of the upcoming music video, "Tu Boca". Join Alex Cuba as he looks within his own history for discoveries on bridging culture through music.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW TRAILER
Heart Beat is gracially sponsored by CKLN 88.1 FM. Click HERE to listen to CKLN's Verlia Stevens interviewing ALEX CUBA on her weekly show "Limin' with Verlia in the African Diaspora."

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CaribbeanTales and Leda Serene Films are proud to present...
Heart Beat
in association with Bravo! and Gayelle The Channel (Trinidad)

"We all have a heart, which is a drum, beating the rhythm of life..."
Muhtadi, Master Drummer.

Heart Beat is a 13 x 1/2hr documentary series that profiles Canadian-Caribbean musicians and explores the hearts, minds and worlds of some of Canada's most dynamic musical creators.

Thirteen beautifully crafted point -of-view documentaries profiling artists like: Master drummer Muhtadi, World-beat band Kobo Town, Juno award-winning trumpeter Nick "Brownman" Ali, MOJAH, steel pannist and cultural activist Ian Jones, Cuban singer/songwriter Alex Cuba and Canada's still unbeaten Calypso Queen Macomere Fifi, to name but a few.The series is created and produced by award-winning filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, and directed with panache and passion by Lana Lovell, Safiya Randera, Paul Nguyen, Andrea Stewart, Justin Lovell, Mars Horodyski, and Alberto Suarez.

Grateful thanks to Steve Stober for allowing us to use the photo above of Muhtadi.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Don't Miss BROWNMAN on Tuesday 7pm on Bravo!

World Television Premiere: December 11th on BRAVO!


EPISODE 3: Nick "Brownman" Ali: The Life and Times of Brown


Toronto jazz creator Brownman is a force of nature. This restless inventive doc captures his prodigious talent, and contagious passion for his art.

SHOT, DIRECTED & EDITED BY
Alberto Suarez

ARTIST PROFILE
Born Nick ‘Brownman’ Ali, in Trinidad; 'Brown' is one of most in demand Canadian trumpet players currently. His recording credits total over 100 albums with studio presence at Sony and Universal.

REVIEWS
“…a thoughtful soloist with an intriguing blend of quirks and lyricism."
Mark Miller, The Globe and Mail

“Between his endless studio and session work, sideman jobs with bands in the reggae and Latin scenes and his peculiar cult success in… Estonia, Ali has become one of the busiest players on the scene.”
Matt Galloway, NOW Magazine

“…jazz visionary…"
Sarah Cairns, View Magazine

“As both sideman and leader, this fiery young musician has played every major Jazz Festival and Latin venue in Canada, touring both this country and the U.S. extensively, has represented Canada at the Havana Jazz Festival, Cuba multiple times and is quickly becoming a known and sought after entity in Europe. One of the hottest names in Canada today. Watch for him!”
Scott McLaren, The Jazz Journey, CHRY Community Radio

“Just like his creatively restless idol (who passed away in 1991 at age 65, following a 50-year career), Ali is a prolific and adventurous spirit.”
Errol Nazareth, Eye Weekly

“Nick Ali & Cruzao…the finest Latin-jazz group Canada’s ever produced."
www.latinjazznet.com

CaribbeanTales and Leda Serene Films are proud to present...
Heart Beat
in association with Bravo! and Gayelle The Channel (Trinidad)

"We all have a heart, which is a drum, beating the rhythm of life..."
Muhtadi, Master Drummer.

Heart Beat is a 13 x 1/2hr documentary series that profiles Canadian-Caribbean musicians and explores the hearts, minds and worlds of some of Canada's most dynamic musical creators.

Thirteen beautifully crafted point -of-view documentaries profiling artists like: Master drummer Muhtadi, World-beat band Kobo Town, Juno award-winning trumpeter Nick "Brownman" Ali, MOJAH, steel pannist and cultural activist Ian Jones, Cuban singer/songwriter Alex Cuba and Canada's still unbeaten Calypso Queen Macomere Fifi, to name but a few.The series is created and produced by award-winning filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, and directed with panache and passion by Lana Lovell, Safiya Randera, Paul Nguyen, Andrea Stewart, Justin Lovell, Mars Horodyski, and Alberto Suarez.

Grateful thanks to Steve Stober for allowing us to use the photo above of Muhtadi.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Join us for Heart Beat EP 2 - Kobo Town.

Singer/songwriter Drew Gonsalves and the members of Kobo Town are one of Toronto's most exciting contemporary calypso bands. In 'Storytelling', these talented musicians invite us into the dazzling world of wordplay and images that define calypso tradition and Trinidadian culture, reflecting on their ten-year musical journey to Kobo Town and sharing the musical styles and legends that continue to shape it.

DIRECTED and EDITED BY

Safiya Randera

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Justin Lovell, Alberto Suarez

View the Trailer HERE

“Kobotown is set to unleash a new musical style on the world with a fusion of old and new traditions from the West Indies. Lead singer/ songwriter Drew Gonzalves’ vividly melodic lyrics backed with a heavy bass and rhythm section inspire people to move both physically and spiritually.”
Karam Delby, Canadian Music Network

“…unique blend of traditional calypso, roots reggae and West Indian folk music… "Kobo Town 's music reflects today's Caribbean-Canadian diaspora, melding traditional Trinidadian music and new sounds encountered in Canada , including funk, jazz, Haitian kompa, Cuban descarga, and Congolese soukous…”
www.allaboutjazz.com

“…underlying the songs are bottle and spoon rhythms, syncopated flute and violin melodies, strumming cuatros and heavy reggae bass lines which indicate a marriage between West Indian musics old and new - a dialogue between a fading folkloric tradition and the sounds that prevail in our time.”
Organic Entertainment, NowOnTour.com

“Kobotown’s aim is to carry on the tradition of kaiso, following in the steps of people like the Roaring Lion, Mighty Spoiler, Lord Invader, King Radio and Attila the Hun but speaking to the issues of our times and continuing to add to the musical mix. They are doing an excellent job.”
Small World Music, The Live Music Report.com


CaribbeanTales and Leda Serene Films are proud to present...
Heart Beat
in association with Bravo! and Gayelle The Channel (Trinidad)

"We all have a heart, which is a drum, beating the rhythm of life..."
Muhtadi, Master Drummer.

Heart Beat is a 13 x 1/2hr documentary series that profiles Canadian-Caribbean musicians and explores the hearts, minds and worlds of some of Canada's most dynamic musical creators.

Thirteen beautifully crafted point -of-view documentaries profiling artists like: Master drummer Muhtadi, World-beat band Kobo Town, Juno award-winning trumpeter Nick "Brownman" Ali, MOJAH, steel pannist and cultural activist Ian Jones, Cuban singer/songwriter Alex Cuba and Canada's still unbeaten Calypso Queen Macomere Fifi, to name but a few.The series is created and produced by award-winning filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, and directed with panache and passion by Lana Lovell, Safiya Randera, Paul Nguyen, Andrea Stewart, Justin Lovell, Mars Horodyski, and Alberto Suarez.

Grateful thanks to Steve Stober for allowing us to use the photo above of Muhtadi.