C-Sharp band returns to roots for launch

Then, three weeks later, they will do a full concert at Jamaica College, Hope Road, on December 9. Not only will they be playing their growing catalogue, but they will also have guests - Sherita, Third World, poets Abebe and Racquel Jones, Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel.

Chevaughn Clayton said Tony Rebel "was the first artiste to carry C-Sharp on the road, so we are going to pay that tribute".

However, the band's manager, Hugh Hoilett, said that C-Sharp intends to find itself on the road, adding to its tour credits, in short order - under its own steam if necessary. He pointed out that especially in Europe, a performer has to have music distribution arrangements before getting on to the tour circuit. "It is to get it out, and from there the demand will grow," he said.

Help needed from Corporate Jamaica

So Hoilett said, "if Corporate Jamaica decides to come on-board it will be easier. Whether or not, we will be financing ourselves." The plan is to get into the winter club circuit first and "that builds the demand for the festivals".

Jamaican performers being more popular outside than inside Jamaica is not unusual, and Hoilett points out that in terms of airplay, "in Jamaica there are a few programmes that will give us a few plays. It is far and few. On the international market, we do much better". Hoilett lists Amsterdam and South Florida among the places where C-Sharp enjoys good rotation, in addition to "some buzz in Costa Rica" and "as far as Fiji".

With a mature sound and membership, Hoilett said it is the perfect time to put out 'The Invitation'. It does not hurt either that the band's dedicated listenership has grown. "It is almost pointless putting out an album without an established fan base," he said. "They have a fan base that has grown not only in Jamaica, but internationally."

C-Sharp is one of a number of bands which eschew backing duties in favour of performing as self-contained units and presenting their own albums. These include Global Battle of the Bands winners Dubtonic Kru, Raging Fyah, and Uprising Roots. Clayton said being part of a movement makes it easier as "instead of two bands putting out albums for a year, you have 10 bands putting out albums."

There is the possibility of doors opening for touring, as Hoilett said, "I was speaking to a lady with a booking agency. She said she is pushing her boss book bands because that is where the market is."