Terry B., the ever-smiling music producer and talented keyboardist, is also a high school music teacher in the well-structured French public school system on the island. His busy days are spent teaching a fresh generation of students the basic of musical craft and history.
When he isn’t tending to his own family, he is coach, mentor, producer and cheerleader to all those aspiring talents he is cultivating on this tiny island. Up until recently Terry B. had played in an assortment of bands himself, performing at functions, parties and locales throughout the area. But now his passion is promoting those whom he sees as talented enough to make the transition from well-known, scrappy local performers, to well-paid credible international stars.
And why shouldn’t that vision take hold? This intelligent world-traveler is confident the French Caribbean sound, a flavored combination of Zouk music laced with funky reggae, rap and love ballad, will be the next big thing in World Music sensibility. Zouk, for those uninitiated, is a Creole word for “party,” and the typical acoustic sounds provide an aural marriage of driving upbeat tempos, layered percussions, fiery brass and melodies influenced by native sounds of Guadeloupe, Martinique and Afro-Caribbean source material.
Terry B. has seen the future is determined to introduce the world to the phenoms practicing hours on end on the island. A native of Guadeloupe, his confidence in the local talent fused with his talent-saturated expertise is palpable. “When it comes to versatility in music it’s my experience that this is the most diverse blend found anywhere,” he explained with passion in his eyes. With influences from South and North America as well as European sources, the St. Martin sound is ready for its close-up, he added.
“The soil is fertile right now,” he added. Inside his small production studio packed with a state-of-the-art sound system-set up in his apartment, Terry B. played sounds for a visitor who swayed with the pulsating beats and left impressed with what was heard.
He knows he has a hit on his hand with his first single to be released, “Loco,” with fellow musician, singer-songwriter Johannes Arrindell, or "Jose." His computer software, speaker system and proficiency behind a keyboard allow him to recreate any possible combination of sound, from fine orchestra to street percussion. The quality of sound that emerges from his home-studio rivals that of wealthier counterparts anywhere, and blew away a seasoned music lover.
Jose, a fast-talking out-going 26-year-old with stars in his eyes, a velvety, deep voice in song, and a fondness for Mafia history, enthused certainty that his partnership with Terry B. would lead to the kind of wealth and position of those fortunate to be able to afford to visit this beauteous island.
“Loco,” an infectious, rap-driven production is a well-crafted homage to Afro-Caribbean, laced with a street-cred driving rhythm and lyrics that uplift as you find yourself swaying to the tune. Their long-thought-out plan is to contact a rap-wise label producer once they come to the states, a visit planned within the next few months.
“We’re looking to expose it outside the island,” Terry B. said of the aspiring rap musicians, gospel singers and love-song balladeers and others he is assisting in becoming break-out artists beyond the Caribbean Sea.
Given the can-do spirit of these plucky, business-wise professionals, no doubt a St. Martin sound will soon be emerging from your local airwaves. And when you hear “Loco” on your radio station, think of Terry B. and Jose working hard at their craft, tucked away in a small studio space on this bejeweled island far away in the Caribbean Sea.
How hard is it to leave paradise once your vacation time has filtered to those last precious few moments? Excruciatingly hard. But, perhaps after you carefully pack your treasures and memories (including at least a print from Richardson and a promise from Terry B. that a CD is in the cards), you can take one last stroll on the warm beach just outside your La Samanna villa.
Let your feet sink into the warming sand and stroll to the water’s edges, allowing the warm waves to wash over your cares. Drink in the vision of the azure, green-flecked water and breathe deeply of the glorious salt air. Recall that last amazing dinner of succulent crab, native spices and decadent chocolate cake prepared by Executive Chef Louisil.
Take one last photo or two of the sun-drenched cove and thank the graciously friendly personnel who have made your visit extraordinary. And before you board your plane for the trip back home, bid a silent “Au Revoir.” That doesn’t really mean good-bye, merely, “I’ll be back.”