FIRST SERENADE BAND - The name came during a brain storm session when bass guitarist suggested: 'serenade'. However, band leader Carlton Winston thought 'serenade' seemed rather lonely and added the word first.

A legend in its own right, the band officially began operation in 1984 in the village of Point Michel where most of its members are from. First Serenade began performing for village calypso shows ad other public or private occasions. Then came a different band of music. That was a consequence of a proposal made by the village priest. Carlton said, 'he told us play in church on Saturday for the youth mass and I will give you instruments,' and we did.

The first piece of instrument they received was a bass guitar, then came the bass clarinet, drum set and small odds and ends. Their first album was launched in 1988 for reunion 88 with the song zouke zouke. That song, band members said proudly, was a big hit and well received by the Dominican public.

From zouke zouke, they recorded an album called Debouye. Their next was rough up de session in 1994, try a ting - 1995, watch ya back - 1996 and chant dem - 1997. According to the band leader, rough up the session was actually their break through album, although the band is known for its master live jam.

The band consist of nine Dominican nationals including musicians, engineer management.

Major Performances

Backed Jamaica's Michigan and Smiley, the Baron, Sugar Aloes, Bianca Hull and the Cro Cro synonymous with Trinidad soca. The band has opened for such names as Barrington Levy and Dennis Brown. They made two consecutive tours into London in 1994 and 1995 respectively. In 1995 playing for the band masquerade 2000 which won first prize in Nottinghill carnival, the largest carnival in Europe. They have also performed in Guadeloupe with Kassav at the prestigious center des arts compliments to Jean Phillip Martheloi and Patrick St. Eloi.

BAND MEMBERS: 

MANAGER:               GLEN ETTIENNE

MUSICIANS:             CARLTON WINSTON       TRUMPET
                       ROOSEVELT TOUSSAINT   TRUMPET
                       ADRIEN MITCHELL       BASS
                       DAMAIN FONTAIN        KEYBOARDS
                       ADRIEN MITCHEL        KEYBOARDS
                       KELVIN DUBUISSON      GUITAR
                       ROHAN WILLIAMS        LEAD VOCALS
                       MARK XAVIER           DRUMS
                       ADRIEN MITCHEL        DRUM PROGRAMMING
                       STANLEY WINSTON       SOUND ENGINEER


A little taste of the music in Realaudio Kanaval

Back link

Roots Stems and Branches W.C.K. Nasio Fontaine

Copyright © 1996-2007 by CAKAFETE INC