By Lincoln DePradine

Well-known Toronto-based saxophonist and arranger, Michael “Skell’’ Redhead described a colleague – who once arranged music for the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force band – as “one of the world’s greatest musicians’’.

Redhead was referring to James Clarkson who, at 17, left his homeland Grenada to join the West India Regiment unit in Jamaica.

After the collapse of the West Indies Federation, Clarkson relocated to Trinidad and Tobago, arranging music for the Defence Force band and national steel orchestra.

He accompanied the Trinidad and Tobago musical delegation to Expo ’67 in Montreal, and studied at McGill University.

As a child, Clarkson played several instruments and “I was in awe of him’’, Redhead said. “I feel so proud to call you my friend.’’

Clarkson “has done so much musically,’’ said Redhead, who joined a special event in the Grenadian capital, St George’s, where tribute in songs and speeches were paid to Clarkson, who turns 80 on April 21.

Redhead, who rendered a jazz interpretation of a calypso titled “Brighter Out of Darkness’’, noted Clarkson’s association with American jazz trumpeter and composer, Miles Davis; along with popular recording artiste and singer Diana Ross, for whom Clarkson wrote music.

Clarkson performed with All Stars Steel Orchestra while in Trinidad and Tobago, and his many friends included ace arranger Frankie McIntosh.

“He should be nominated for a UWI doctorate. Folks, with far lesser credentials than his, have received one,’’ McIntosh said in a congratulatory note to Clarkson on the special tribute event.

Another message sent by Trinidad and Tobago the legendary Joey Lewis Orchestra and the members of his band.

“You have been a pillar to all, even us, here in Trinidad and Tobago. Our people won’t ever forget you,’’ read the message, which said that Clarkson belonged to the “fraternity of exceptional maestros’’.

In Grenada, Clarkson has served on various occasions, as musical director of the country’s police force band, as well as the commissioner, which is the top job in the police service.

In addition, he served for more than 50 years as arranger for Grenada’s oldest steelband, Republic Bank Angel Harps.

Under his tutelage, Angel Harps has won more than a dozen national senior panorama championships.

Clarkson said he “brought a different texture’’ to Grenada’s Angel Harps, which was founded in 1965.

“I’m happy that I spent that length of time with them,’’ said Clarkson, who was presented with tokens of appreciation, including a plaque, at the tribute in his honour.

Ronald “Mitchie’’ Bain, like Clarkson, was a pan arranger with Angel Harps. Bain, too, was in the Royal Grenada Police Force band when it was led by Clarkson.

The two also performed together in New York with a band they called, “Obeah’’.

Several times, said Bain, Trinidad and Tobago tried to “steal’’ Clarkson, offering him Trinidad and Tobagoian citizenship.

“He refused to renounce his citizenship of Grenada in order to get a scholarship from the government of Trinidad and Tobago. And, that’s the guy he is,’’ said Bain.

“It’s time that Grenada starts acknowledging what individuals like James have done for the country,’’ Bain added.

“I know of nobody that I can compare to him. I’ve played with lots of musicians in the US Army; been to their schools; met lots of fine musicians; but, when it comes to matching James, there’s none.’’

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter