BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ‘THAT’S Life’, ‘Be Mine Forever’ and ‘Googal Jamming’ are some of the songs featured on the album Sweet Music which is produced by the 4 Play Band. The album features 10 tracks with a zouk style of music that reminds one of the all time soca style, but with a modern twist.
“Just with the name alone you know you’re getting something special,” said the band’s leader and keyboardist, Dwight ‘Andy’ Smith. “It’s a different feeling when you listen to our band compared to the others.
Listening and grooving with 4Play is totally different,” said Ernel Hamilton, who is the drummer, vocalist and spokesperson for the band. 4Play came on the scene five years ago with Smith, who partnered with another person to form the band.
Smith had a specific vision for the band which underwent a number of changes before they were able to arrive at the stage they are at today.
He said the name of the band was derived from the four members with whom it started. Today, the members are Smith, Hamilton, Gretson ‘Googal’ Isaac (lead and back-up vocals), Clive ‘Horsie’ Lake (lead and back-up vocals), Otis ‘Daddy Love’ Harris (keyboardist) along with guest musicians Alister ‘Jamband’ Salters (guitarist) and Mervyn ‘Cool Ruler’ Maynard (drummer). ‘Sweet Music’ features 10 tracks with nine original and one being adopted music, a request by their fans.
Although the band has been around for five years, 2009 is the first year it has produced an album and increased its public performance.
“This year we’re still performing in the hotels, but we’ve made wider appearances in the public this year than previous years. Our first album and first recording were more of a request from the fans that we bring some original music out to the public; so we started putting things together,” said Hamilton.
The 4Play Band has a very tight schedule.
On Sundays, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. they perform at Shipwreck and then at Timothy’s Beach from around 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. On Mondays the band can be found performing at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel and occasionally on Tuesdays.
On Wednesday, the band takes a break to rehearse, and from Thursdays to Saturdays they can be found at the St. Kitts Marriott Hotel. Occasionally, they also perform at the Treasury on Fridays.
“Then we do it all over again at Shipwreck on Sundays. However, we’re tied up in the hotels…we can’t do too much outside gigs,” said Smith.
On J’Ouvert morning, they hope to be stationed by the Treasury playing their ‘Sweet Music’ for passersby. Hamilton said the relationship among members is good and he envisages no immediate division.
“The relationship among the band members personally is pleasant thus far. I don’t see any immediate division or anything that would have the quality of our music declining,” he said. “And we’re looking forward to more of that, and any changes that would come would be us rising above that.”
The 4Play Band provides a variety of music including golden oldies, lovers rock and a bit of soca.
“We want to say thanks to the fans for their support and appreciation and we look forward to their continued support,” said Hamilton.
