élan parlé members include Sean Friday on bass, Richard Joseph on drums and David Bertrand on flute/wind controller. The group is led by Ming (keyboardist/composer)
Influences
David Rudder and Charlie's Roots. Andy Narell. Yellowjackets. The Rippingtons. Raf Robertson. William Cepeda. Bob James. And the list goes on.....
Sounds Like
Lots of different stuff. We draw on music from all over the world and then blend it with our own cultural reality to create music that sounds like everything and yet like nothing you've ever heard, all at the same time. Caribbean/world fusion - Bringing the vibe of the caribbean to the world.
élan parlé is a Trinidad-based music ensemble that blends Caribbean rhythms with global music influences to create Caribbean/World fusion.
Using freewheeling improvisation over carefully crafted compositions, élan parlé brings a contemporary jazz perspective to the musical and cultural traditions of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Vision for the group is reflected in the band’s name élan parlé, artistically interpreted to mean “Spirited Conversations.”
“These Spirited Conversations are often spoken in a Caribbean dialect, discussing World issues, but from a Caribbean perspective.”
Since the band’s formation in 2000, they have independently produced, recorded and released five CD albums namely Tribal Voices, Caribbean Renaissance, Songs for Wayne, “5” The Ming-Toy Project and most recently Wejouvaynation.
They have also produced music for other artistes through their Production Company Parlemusik.
In 2002, the Kindred Spirits collaborative CD featuring elan parle garnered five nominations and received two Sunshine Music Awards.
In 2004, élan parlé’s leader and keyboardist Ming, received a COTT nomination for Jazz/World Music Composer of the Year 2004.
Throughout the years, the group has played numerous concerts both at home and throughout the Caribbean.
Select Performances
In 2002, and again in 2003, the group performed at the Annual We Beat Festival Jazz night.
In 2003, the group performed at the Grenada Spice Jazz Festival, as well as the St Kitts Music Festival.
In 2004, élan parlé played the St Vincent Blues Fest as well as our own San Fernando Jazz Festival.
In 2005, élan parlé played their own sold-out concert at The Central Bank Auditorium as well as performances at the Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan and Jazz Festival.
2006 saw the group performing at the 2006 edition of the Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan and Jazz Festival, opening for renowned jazz trumpeter Terrance Blanchard and singer Vanessa Rubin.
I am in TT now. Keeping a low profile, trying to see how best to maximize our Caribbean Jazz potential via the various music distribution channels. A new business model for this is my goal at this time...that and creating new sounds.
Hey Ming. We just returned from our Tobago gig. Everything was great. Hope to hear you perform again. We really loved your version of St Thomas.I would love to hear it recorded on an album. Laterz!
YIPPPEEE!!!!! Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait. Tribal Voices is practically warped from some serious overplaying. Please be sure to post a message about the launch on myspace.
