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Musically SpeakingRon Aqui - Freelance Jazz and Latin Jazz Pianist |
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August 24 Ronald Aqui - Pianist and KeyboardistAlthough I have practised professionally as an Engineer, one of the most important priorities in my life was to understand and play music. To this end the study of music theory was as important to me as playing music. Thus having retired early from the Engineering profession it was a natural progression for me to enter the world of the performing musician, armed with many years of self study and practice. This transition for me was not difficult, since while still an engineer I met and became friendly with many musicians on the local scene with whom there was nothing but mutual respect and encouragement. To name a few - Scofield Pilgrim, Clive Zanda, Michael Tobas, Michael Boothman, Fortuna Ruiz, Douglas Redon, Ralph Davies, Felix Roach, Ron Reid, Gerry Rollock, Mervyn De Gannes.
More recently I have had the pleasure of collaborating with some of Trinidad and Tobago's finest musicians such as Sean Thomas, Tamba Gwindi, Patti Rogers, Ernesto Garcia, Anthony Voisin, Gerry Banfield, Anthony Woodroffe, Ray Holman, Chantal Esdelle, Hayden Robin, Rosemary Phillips, Etienne Charles, and many more.
I have been performing professionally for the past ten years and have developed even more associations both with local and foreign musicians.
My main instruments are the piano and synthesizer which I endeavour to play in various formats.
The Piano
Since I began the study of classical piano as a child I do not recall not having a piano at my home. It is the instrument I love the most. While pursuing my engineering studies I became attracted to Jazz music, and in particular to Jazz Piano. Since I was studying in the city of Toronto I had the opportinity to attend a large number of live performances by the greatest exponents of Jazz in the world. In retrospect this turned out to be the single most important aspect of my quest to understand this music, since I experienced at first hand (actually ears and eyes) how the music is played and communicated. No amount of studying music texts and passages could have provided this insight and knowledge. Naturally I try to apply the knowledge gained form these experiences to my own approach to the piano.
Currently my pianistic interests are Jazz, Latin Jazz, and Solo Piano. Although there are few opportunities to play locally I am presently the director of the Batuka Jazz Trio. The repertoire is currently Jazz standards and Latin Jazz . At least on one Thursday each month we can be seen and heard at the Bois Cano Lounge at the Kapok Hotel.
Last year I performed on piano with the group accompanying Barbadian Jazz singer Rosemary Phillips. The other members of the group were Russel Durity (Bass), Anthony Voisin(Guitar), and Winston Matthews (Drums).
For the last three years I have performed on piano on a regular basis (two or three times weekly) with local Jazz singer Patti Rogers. When a trio or quartet is specified for her accompaniment I am usually the pianist.
I was also the resident pianist with the now defunct Latin Orchestra P'al Destino led by Michael Germain.
The Synthesizer
The invention of the synthesizer is viewed with disdain by many music purists. On the other hand this wonder of technology has without any doubt transformed the craft of playing music for many musicians providing economic benefits for musicians as well as establishments that hire musicians.
In my case it has allowed me to work regularly with local Jazz singer Patti Rogers on Wednesdays at the Trinidad Regency Hyatt Hotel and at other venues (eg. Power Boats, Movie Towne Fiesta Plaza) and functions where it would be prohibitive economically to work with a larger ensemble.
I also perform solo once or twice per month at the Tiki Village Restaurant (Kapok Hotel), using the Synthesizer to give the effect of an entire group performing - an economical solution.
I must confess though that this kind of performance restricts my pianistic growth.
Other venues where I have performed include:
Contact Information For Ron Aqui:
Tel: 868 632 0957
E-mail: <raqui@tstt.net.tt> or <ronaldaqui@hotmail.com>
Cell 1: 868 744 3655
Cell 2: 868 309 5622
"Pay The Man"(I titled this Kahlil Gibran quote after a composition of pianist Michel Petrucciani).
"And if there come singers and the dancers and the flute players, buy of their gifts also.
For they too are gatherers of fruit and frankincense, and that which they bring, though fashioned of dreams, is raiment and food for your soul."
From "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran |
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