From passion to profession

Tamara Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Greenvale, Manchester:

Producer, arranger, and keyboardist, Brinton Haughton Jr, always had a passion for music, and though he made a few detours, the need for success and pursuit of his passion started a beautiful amalgamation.

"My musical skills started around the age of eight. I had an older cousin who used to play the piano. My first family had a grand piano. My cousin would visit us on the weekends or holidays and would play it. I would then try to reproduce what I heard him play. After some time, my parents realised that I had an interest in music and started sending me to music classes."

Haughton's skills were further developed when he went to the Manchester High School. In third form, he started playing the piano for the high school choir and then moved on to being part of the first school band and a male singing group. The former love he held for fixing computers dwindled and this move became true acknowledgement of his musical inclination.

PLAYING AT EVENTS

"I started playing for different churches and groups in Manchester. I would get called to play for a variety of functions and events inclusive of weddings, concerts, funerals, etc, and was being paid. I realised then that this would be an ideal career - I could earn and do something I loved at the same time," said Haughton.

After leaving high school, with the strong values of getting a tertiary education entrenched by his parents, Haughton enrolled in the Knox Community College and then went to the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts.

"I have no regrets about attending Edna Manley College. Being at Edna Manley has increased my knowledge about music. It has helped in the development of my creative performance and technical skills. It has helped to mould me into the musician I am today. My experience has helped me to become a more understanding, humble, and patient person in the music industry. I have played for artistes that I always dreamt about playing for," Haughton told Rural Xpress.

In addition to being one of the founding members of a band formed in college, One Drop Routz, Haughton has worked independently with several artistes: Voicemail, Fantan Mojah, LUST, One Third, Iwayne, Alaine, Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid, Tarrus Riley, Duane Stephenson, Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Romain Virgo, Mackeehan, Chevaughn, D Major, Busy Signal, Ikaya, Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Ibah Mar, Kerron Ennis, Prodigal Son, Chevelle Franklyn, Junior Tucker, Omari, Jermaine Edwards, and Kevin Downswell,

Music has elevated and broadened Haughton's horizons in ways not even he can comprehend. He has travelled to several states in the United States and countries in the Caribbean, but to date, his excursion to the West African country of Nigeria to play at several shows has been the most memorable.

Haughton, whose mantra is 'My purpose in life is to live a life of purpose', aspires within the next five to 10 years to own and operate his own studio, become a world-renowned musical producer, and work on major productions.

"My inspiration comes from two of the biggest jazz pianists: Oscar Peterson and Michele Camilo. Their music is very soul stirring and inspiring to me. Listening to these men play challenges me to be a better musician and to learn more about my art. I love their style and musicianship. Music is one tool that is able to reach people, change lives, and cross diverse borders, and I want my music to be just as inspiring."

rural@gleanerjm.com