Plugged In: Saxophonist Elan Trotman adds EDM beats to his Caribbean-jazz fusion
The “Electro Sax” album is released as the tropical “Island Gal’” prepares to charm radio.
BOSTON (24 April 2017): Saxophonist Elan Trotman
is unwavering in his committed to wave the flag high for Caribbean
music, but after releasing six soul-jazz albums and more than ten
chart-topping singles that made him a permanent fixture on radio
playlists, the Barbados native is “shaking it up” by going electronic on
“Electro Sax,” his seventh outing which was released last Friday (April 21) by Island Muzik Productions.
Seeking a “hip radio sound that will reach beyond the masses,” Trotman assembled a creative team of up-and-coming producers – Spardakis, P-Nut, Dr. O and Da Troof - who he met at Boston’s esteemed Berklee College of Music
and tasked them with putting a fresh, modern twist on the eleven new
tracks that he wrote for the collection. With electronic elements
evident in the production of Trotman’s tenor and soprano sax and the
adventurous EDM sonicscapes, the result is an energizing, dance-happy
mix of impromptu jazz sax licks, kinetic dance beats and festive
Caribbean rhythms. Adding nuances to the audacious alchemy are
guitarists Wayne Jones, Freddie Fox and JJ Sansavarino, and steel pan player Kareem Thompson.
The first single set to seduce radio is the reggae-infused “Island
Gal’,” which spotlights Trotman on soprano sax on the cut he describes
as having “a sexy vibe to it.” Prince fans will appreciate the
balladic tribute “Purple Emotion” that closes the set. The session’s
lone cover is a tropical, dance hall take of Walk The Moon’s infectious pop smash “Shut Up and Dance.”
“’Electro
Sax’ is a true representation of where I am at in my career. It’s
modern sounding with prominent hints of the island. It’s also about
branching out, reaching out by making good music for the masses. It’ll
definitely ruffle feathers, but that is part of being an artist -
pushing boundaries and perhaps establishing new ones,” said Trotman.
“The ‘tropicality’ elements are part of who I am and I’m sticking with
it. It’ll always be part of my sound and I believe in it. It is part of
my brand and it’s authentic to my (Barbadian) roots.”
Trotman showcases and shares the culture of his homeland at his annual Barbados Jazz Excursion, slated to take place on the Caribbean island for the fourth time in October over Columbus Day Weekend (October 6-9, 2017). The saxman performs and hosts the music festival and golf tournament that benefits his nonprofit Never Lose Your Drive Foundation and the Head Start Music Program in Barbados. Slated to perform this year are R&B and contemporary jazz mainstays Will Downing, Norman Brown, Marion Meadows, Brian Simpson, Jeanette Harris and Julian Vaughn as well as the Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds.
The songs on “Electro Sax” are:
“Happy Place”
“Electro Sax”
“Barbados Breeze”
“Island Gal’”
“Chill Cat”
“Shut Up and Dance”
“Up In The Clouds”
“orutrA”
“No Need For Trippin’”
“120 BPM”
“Move!”
“Purple Emotion”
