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Too often we never recognize the musicians…the guys and gyals who fuel and add that extra flavour to music. Dean Williams is definetly one of those guys…. I cannot start to list all his achievements but he has worked extensively with Sheldon “Shelshok” Benjamin, Sparrow, Kitchener, Shadow and has been lead Guitarist for 3 Canal, The old Atlantik, Xtatik; just to name a few. Ohhhh yeah he is also a teacher, a composer and a producer…*Out of Breath* Presently Dean is the lead Guitarist with Destra and continues to pursue his Solo career. His beautiful and soulful rendition of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” – His interpretation is absolutely breathtaking…You guys be the judge…
Entertainment Macco: What does Christmas mean to you?
Dean Williams: "Christmas is about children, family and music for me, those are the main ingredients, and lots of colourful childhood memories."
Entertainment Macco: What is your most memorable Christmas experience?
Dean Williams: "Both of my daughters’ first Christmases, those were my most memorable experiences."
Entertainment Macco: What made you choose this particular Christmas Carol?
Dean Williams: "Talk to my manager…lol, if it were up to me I would have chosen Gimme Me Brush…"
Entertainment Macco: Are you serious? You know that is not a Carol right? Haha *Gimme Me Brush**
Entertainment Macco: Is this Christmas Carol your favourite or is there one closer to your heart? If there is one share it!
Dean Williams: "I really like Listen Mama I want yuh to tell Santa Claus."
Entertainment Macco: This is the first time I have heard you sing/play in this style, and it is great can we look forward to hearing this style more often?
Dean Williams: "Yes...this is how I will be playing from now on, all of my songs will have this amount of drive and soul."
Entertainment Macco: Yay!
Entertainment Macco:What challenges if any did you face in your interpretation of this carol?
Dean Williams: "I had no real challenges in interpreting this carol, the real concern for me was wondering if people would accept my unique version of it. Though, meeting my deadline while battling the flu was really tough."
Entertainment Macco: What Christmas traditions do you “MUST” follow every year?
Dean Williams: "Put up my Christmas tree and go to church Christmas night."
Entertainment Macco: What is one thing you taught, or plan to, or would like to teach your child/children about Christmas?
Dean Williams: "That Christmas is about love and sharing not necessarily about receiving gifts."
Entertainment Macco: What is your absolute favourite Christmas dish?
Dean Williams: "Pastelle, a slice of ham with chow chow, and a glass of strong ginger beer that burns my chest."
Entertainment Macco: Are you the early preparation type and comfortable type OR the last minute hustle and bustle, smelling the fresh paint type?
Dean Williams: "Most times the last minute type because I usually have a lot of gigs around that time."
Entertainment Macco: Do you think Christmas is appreciated, as it should be?
Dean Williams: "Yes, here in Trinidad I think we do, and with foreign trinis too, they carry on the traditions wherever they go."
Entertainment Macco: Does the actual day mean as much to you as the season?
Dean Williams: "Yes the day means a lot, Christmas day is the one day you always remember."
Entertainment Macco: Parang VERSUS Carols; which one do you prefer?
Dean Williams: "Carols…"
Entertainment Macco: Do you feel the same about Christmas as an adult in comparison to your feelings when you were a child? What has changed?
Dean Williams: "No that has changed, I think about my children now as a parent and want them to have the kind of Christmases I did as a child."
Entertainment Macco: If there was one thing you could change about Christmas, what would it be?
Dean Williams: "That Christmas wouldn’t be so much about money and spending but more about music, love and family."
Entertainment Macco: Are you on the Naughty or Nice list? I hope you are not getting coal in your stockings this Christmas… lol
Dean Williams: "Half and half LOL!"
Entertainment Macco: Ah ha! I guess that means you are going to get some Coal and some Gold! lol
The question on many minds remains..."How many things this Ma$tamind fella really want to do?" One minute he is a producer, then he is a writer, then he is a musician, then he singing soca...now is Parang and Christmas Carols..Ah well I guess so it goes when talent is seeping through you pores huh? He is the first Noel and his rendition of this Christmas Carol is truly amazing and surprising....
Entertainment Macco: What does Christmas mean to you?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "Christmas, to me, is a time to reflect on the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. As well, it is a time of happiness, kindness, giving to others; and of course, a time for family… Aside from my birthday, it’s my favourite time of year; after all, my last name is French for Christmas :-)"
Entertainment Macco: What is your most memorable Christmas experience?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "It’s kinda hard to pick just one. I have several fond memories from childhood Christmases straight up to the present. Everything from church, to parang, to waiting up to sample everything to eat and drink, to giving and receiving gifts, decorating the tree… so many memories!"
Entertainment Macco: What made you choose this particular Christmas Carol?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "I won’t even try to deny it! “The First Noel” was chosen simply because of the irony of someone named “Noel” singing “The First Noel”. Hahaha. “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” was actually Natasha’s choice for me to sing. She wanted to do a rock version of it and it was a lotta fun getting in character and recording it."
Entertainment Macco: Is this Christmas Carol your favourite or is there one closer to your heart? If there is one share it!
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "You know what… Each track on A Caribbean Soul Christmas is a very special track to me. We owe a great dept of gratitude to every one of the artiste featured on the album. Thank you guys so much!"
Entertainment Macco: This is the first time I have heard you sing/play in this style, and it is great can we look forward to hearing this style more often?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "It was always my plan to explore every possible style of music possible at least once. So I would definitely be exploring the styles heard on my tracks a bit more in the future."
Entertainment Macco: What challenges if any did you face in your interpretation of this carol?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "With “The First Noel”, Natasha will tell you how much I complained that I didn’t like it and wanted to make it an instrumental track. It was a whole different ball game recording this track. At times it was a bit frustrating doing take after take and not being comfortable with the result. However, I’ve actually grown to kinda like the end result.
“Jolly Old St. Nicholas” on the other hand was a bit easier. It took me a little time to find the character and the voice I was looking for, but it was definitely a lotta fun. :-)"
Entertainment Macco: What Christmas traditions do you “MUST” follow every year?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "Our tree must go up on Dec. 1st! I must try to make my case as to why I should be allowed to open one of my presents early. But more importantly, I absolutely must take time to thank God for my family (biological and otherwise), my friends and His countless blessings throughout the year."
Entertainment Macco: What is one thing you taught, or plan to, or would like to teach your child/children about Christmas?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "They must learn the importance of considering others and being able to give rather than receive, the real reason for the season and everything else that we know a true “Caribbean Soul Christmas” to be."
Entertainment Macco: What is your absolute favourite Christmas dish?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "Ummm… “Black Cake & Sorrel” and “Ham & Pastelle” (yeah! I know it’s a shameless plug! So what?!) :-)"
Entertainment Macco: It is quite evident that you have no shame!! lol
Entertainment Macco: Are you the early preparation type and comfortable type OR the last minute hustle and bustle, smelling the fresh paint type?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "What about option C, “Later than last-minute”? Hope I could make it in time this year though".
Entertainment Macco: Do you think Christmas is appreciated, as it should be?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "Honestly I don’t think so. With each passing year we see more and more emphasis being placed on the Carnival season which takes away from us being able to really concentrate and reflect on the Christmas season and why we celebrate it. Also, as a musician heavily involved in Christmas music I’m sure I can speak for others when I say that our music at this time of year doesn’t receive half the amount of attention that it should."
Entertainment Macco: Does the actual day mean as much to you as the season?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "Yes it does! December 25th is such a very special day for me."
Entertainment Macco: Parang VERSUS Carols; which one do you prefer?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "Both! Hence the “Mastamind Christmas 4” and “Caribbean Soul Christmas” albums (shameless plug #2. Hahahaha!!!)"
Entertainment Macco: Do you feel the same about Christmas as an adult in comparison to your feelings when you were a child? What has changed?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "I’m actually still very much excited about Christmas. As far as changes; as a child I used to be really excited about opening presents on Christmas, as an adult (while I still enjoy opening gifts) I’m just as excited to give them."
Entertainment Macco: Since you are excited about giving gifts Shawn...let me just let you know that I am excited about receiving *hint* *hint*
Entertainment Macco: If there was one thing you could change about Christmas, what would it be?
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "One thing I’d change about Christmas? I’d move the date of Carnival, so that the Christmas season wouldn’t be so rushed."
Entertainment Macco: Are you on the Naughty or Nice list? I hope you are not getting coal in your stockings this Christmas… lol
Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel: "Who knows? Maybe I’m on both lists! :-)"
To view Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel feat. Mrs. $pirit$ - Jolly Ol' Saint Nicholas please go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyEfpYSijL0
Tigress is feisty among other things and on the album so showed a different side….Her rendition added a classy maturity and polish to the album…not that it required polishing but the Album is Shining!!! Her beautiful rendition of Joy to the world is sure to raise some pores and put you into that sentimental and appreciative Christmas mood…(If you are not in it as yes)
Entertainment Macco: What does Christmas mean to you?
Tigress: “In the old testament the prophet Isaiah wrote in Chapter 9 Vs 16..."For unto us a child is born; for unto us a child is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father the Prince of Peace.” Therefore at Christmas time there is no doubt in my mind due to my undying faith in my Lord and Saviour that My Redeemer Liveth..so it’s all about being Merry, giving, making people happy and rejoicing, as I know he came so we can have life everlasting
Entertainment Macco: What is your most memorable Christmas experience?
Tigress: “Seeing the joy on my sons faces on Christmas morning, as I always got them exactly what they wanted...although they never told me..”
Entertainment Macco: What made you choose this particular Christmas Carol?
Tigress: "I did not, it was chosen by Mrs Natasha Andrews-Noel.... before I even got to the studio the music was arranged already, I remember Shawn coming out of the studio really excited saying I want it done like.... I looked at him laughed and we both started singing it the same way.just flowing with the music."
Entertainment Macco: Is this Christmas Carol your favourite or is there one closer to your heart? If there is one share it!
Tigress: "Joy to the World" is definitely one of my favourites...I love The
Tigress: "I know its the firs time YOU heard me do something like this but I am no stranger to this, type of music, and you can definitely look forward to more of this from Tigress."
Entertainment Macco: What challenges if any did you face in your interpretation of this carol?
Tigress: "None."
Entertainment Macco: Experienceeeeeeeee????
Tigress: "The traditions I love to follow every year are quite a few...first on my list will be giving, my new Curtains/Drapes, Ham, Black Cake, Sorrel, well I don’t do a tree anymore but that’s definitely used to be one, but I must do my poinsettias."
Entertainment Macco: What is one thing you taught, or plan to, or would like to teach your child/children about Christmas?
Tigress: "I have taught my children to give especially at Christmas time, and be happy with whatever God has blessed you with."
Entertainment Macco: What is your absolute favourite Christmas dish?
Tigress:"Well not sure if you will call it a dish, but Black Cake is it for me..also love pastelles."
Entertainment Macco: Yummy @ Pastelles *drools*
Entertainment Macco: Are you the early preparation type and comfortable type OR the last minute hustle and bustle, smelling the fresh paint type?
Tigress: "I am little of both like to know what drapes I am putting up long before my colour scheme, but then you have to forget one item, there is a certain rush you get from being amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays."
Entertainment Macco: Do you think Christmas is appreciated, as it should be?
Tigress: "No... Christmas is not appreciated as it should be its not especially in the
Entertainment Macco: Does the actual day mean as much to you as the season?
Tigress: "Jesus is the reason for the season, So it’s the season not the day."
Entertainment Macco: Parang VERSUS Carols; which one do you prefer?
Tigress: "I like them both Parang to me is the wee hours of the morning you are trying to keep some parangderos off your new linoleum, and they have to use the back steps as not to step on the wet paint on the post office red front step
Carols is the days of Carolers coming around with their candles, collecting a "lil change" in a tray...or sometimes you are in the church choir and you are in the church play for Christmas, you are going to rehearsals for weeks..those were the days of real Christmas Carols so they are both very near and dear to me."
Entertainment Macco: LOL @ Post Office Red front step...haha
Entertainment Macco: Do you feel the same about Christmas as an adult in comparison to your feelings when you were a child? What has changed?
Tigress: "My feelings about Christmas has not changed one bit because..don't think there are any comparisons though.....it still is the most festive time of the year for me, But now being a adult/parent and only having sons, Christmas took a different turn they use to fuss "Mom this is to much work" "I am tired" "Could we not do this” so I had to do all the decorating and they will do the painting of course with the assurance their Christmas gifts will be grand ones
As the child you were told what to do and we use to get the goodies when they were stale as they were for " when people come” and you had fun with your gift that was decided for you which may have been a ball, a doll, a tea set or a snake and ladder game which you appreciated by the way..may I add I still have a tea pot from my childhood."
Tigress: "I will bring back the Christ in Christmas I think it’s lost...we don’t celebrate Christmas for what it is anymore"
Entertainment Macco: Are you on the Naughty or Nice list? I hope you are not getting coal in your stockings this Christmas… lol
Tigress: “Well I am always on the Nice List...as Tigress makes sure Joanne is treated nice as I always take care of my star player...ME..so my stocking will have what I decide should be in there.”
Kyle Peters is an extremely talented musician who hails from South Trinidad; a member of the band Red, White and Black, he takes great joy in creating beautiful music. It would really sound kinda cliche' to say that Music is his love but then again I would only be telling the Truth...Kyle is a Star and one of the Stars featured on "A Caribbean Soul Christmas."
Entertainment Macco: What does Christmas mean to you?
Kyle Peters: "Christmas is a really special time of the year that signifies the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time where we truly display the good in ourselves and show people lots of love and how much we care, however these characteristics should not be seasonal."
Entertainment Macco: What is your most memorable Christmas experience?
Kyle Peters: "My most memorable experience was one Christmas I was helping prepare my house for this special day. The entire family was putting out their all and working hard to beat the sunrise. At about 4:00am I realised everyone fell asleep and it was just me with lots to do still. However I persevered and strived on my own to accomplish the family’s goal of having the house completed."
Entertainment Macco: What made you choose this particular Christmas Carol?
Kyle Peters: "It is soulful and the mood of the piece is quite relative to me. I am a bit laid back and very much into jazz and soul."
Entertainment Macco: Is this Christmas Carol your favourite or is there one closer to your heart? If there is one share it!
Kyle Peters: "It is my favourite and coincidentally I was asked to do this carol by Ma$tamind without him knowing this."
Entertainment Macco:Well boy I guess that is why the call him the Ma$tamind right? lol
Entertainment Macco: This is the first time I have heard you sing/play in this style, and it is great can we look forward to hearing this style more often?
Kyle Peters: "Yes there will me more to come from me especially in this style. I have just started working on my own album and there will be several items within this genre of music."
Entertainment Macco: What challenges if any did you face in your interpretation of this carol?
Kyle Peters: "Actually there was not any difficulty or challenge in interpreting this carol. What made it even easier was the mood of the poem that initialized the piece. It was very appropriate and this carol suited perfectly the contents of the poem."
Entertainment Macco: What Christmas traditions do you “MUST” follow every year?
Kyle Peters: "I must play football or “sweat” as locally termed every Christmas morning. It is a village tradition where I’m from."
Entertainment Macco: What is one thing you taught, or plan to, or would like to teach your child/children about Christmas?
Kyle Peters: "I would teach my children the soul reason for the existence of Christmas. “Don’t X Christ out of Christmas.” In addition, I would teach them that this is a time of sharing and spreading joy and love to everyone."
Entertainment Macco: What is your absolute favourite Christmas dish?
Kyle Peters:"There is a dish my mother makes every year…. Bean salad… it’s a family speciality (licking my lips already lol)"
Entertainment Macco: Is where you living again...remind me please because that sounds quite interesting!! *drools*
Entertainment Macco: Are you the early preparation type and comfortable type OR the last minute hustle and bustle, smelling the fresh paint type?
Kyle Peters: "Well clearly from what was mentioned early, it is obvious that we are last minute hustle and bustle people. We just can’t seem to break that habit……"
Entertainment Macco: Do you think Christmas is appreciated, as it should be?
Kyle Peters:"Honestly I think it has lost a lot of significance and value. With respect to
Entertainment Macco: Does the actual day mean as much to you as the season?
Kyle Peters: "Actually it means much more. The best time is waking up Christmas morning with the sweet aroma of baked ham, cakes and other delicacies, seeing the smiles of children as they open their presents. Going to church and giving thanks for another year. It’s amazing!!!"
Entertainment Macco: Parang VERSUS Carols; which one do you prefer?
Kyle Peters: "Hmmmm…….. I would say parang because it is part of our heritage. It is closely associated to our history and was brought by our ancestors."
Entertainment Macco: Do you feel the same about Christmas as an adult in comparison to your feelings when you were a child? What has changed?
Kyle Peters: "Well I guess there is a difference. As a child you are excited about presents and all the other nice things, however as an adult there are more sentimental things and spending family time is more valued."
Entertainment Macco: If there was one thing you could change about Christmas, what would it be?
Kyle Peters: "I would change people’s focus and their mind set about Christmas and show the significance of the season and the day in particular."
Entertainment Macco: Are you on the Naughty or Nice list? I hope you are not getting coal in your stockings this Christmas… lol
Kyle Peters:"Hmmmm……… ummmm………… Sadly I feel I ended up on the naughty list this year lol………"
Entertainment Macco: Well you know what happens to Naughty boys right? **giggles**
To Listen or Purchase this track go to:
http://trinidadtunes.com/index.php?action=album&id=839&A%20Caribbean%20Soul%20Christmas
This feature on Naki is really special to me...she is not only featured on Ma$tamind Production's "A Caribbean Soul Christmas" with "Oh Holy Night" she is also featured on "A Ma$tamind Christmas 4" with "Good Man" as well.... She is up in everything...It has to be raw talent.. There is something exceptionally special about these two tracks...you guys be the judge!
Entertainment Macco: What does Christmas mean to you?
Naki: "Christmas represents a time for family and friends, bonding and re-uniting, lots of good food and smiles and because I am a Trini, it also represents that big lead up to Carnival."
Entertainment Macco: What is your most memorable Christmas experience?
Naki: "My most memorable Christmas experience would be staying up till the wee hours of the morning on Christmas Eve, baking ham, cake, making pastelles and bread and all the Christmas goodies with my mom."
Entertainment Macco: What made you choose this particular Christmas Carol?
Naki: "I chose O Holy Night because I always loved the melody, the lyrics also remind us what Christmas is all about initially; Remembering and honouring God."
Entertainment Macco: Is this Christmas Carol your favourite or is there one closer to your heart? there is one share it!
Naki: "My favourite Christmas carol is actually Silver Bells. I have no idea why, I remember hearing that over n over on Christmas Eve as a kid..Maybe that’s why."
Entertainment Macco: This is the first time I have heard you sing/play in this style, and it is great can we look forward to hearing this style more often?
Naki: "Definitely, I am going to keep on that path of exploring different styles as well. "
Entertainment Macco: What challenges if any did you face in your interpretation of this carol?
Naki: "Our only concern in doing this song was whether to jazz it up/Trini it up some more or whether to do it in a more traditional style. We decided to go the less travelled route."
Entertainment Macco: What Christmas traditions do you “MUST” follow every year?
Naki: “Making Pastelles."
Entertainment Macco: *droolsssssssssssss yummyyyyyyyyy*
Entertainment Macco: What is one thing you taught, or plan to, or would like to teach your child/children about Christmas?
Naki: "That caring is sharing. Christmas is a time to give of YOU. Whether it is love, time, money, gifts, hope to someone who needs it."
Entertainment Macco: What is your absolute favourite Christmas dish?
Naki: "Ham and hops. I know its not really a dish that’s limited to christmas but Ham and hot hops bread."
Entertainment Macco: Are you the early preparation type and comfortable type OR the last minute hustle and bustle, smelling the fresh paint type?
Naki: "Neither, indifferent……it comes I prepare and it goes…I don’t turn my place upside down for Christmas at all…I like the season, but I don’t stress over it. Carnival is my time."
Entertainment Macco: Do you think Christmas is appreciated, as it should be?
Naki: "Over time, just like anything that is overused and abused, it is beginning to lose its authenticity, so NO!!"
Entertainment Macco: Does the actual day mean as much to you as the season?
Naki: "We make such a big fuss over the day and each yr I always ketch my self saying “Look how the day just come and gone nah”….I appreciate the season more. People tend to b more upbeat and positive and giving around Christmas."
Entertainment Macco: Parang VERSUS Carols; which one do you prefer?
Naki: "I like both. Parang because they are culture rich and always tell a funny story, and Carols because they are usually so melodious and tend to help us retain the true meaning of Christmas."
Entertainment Macco: Do you feel the same about Christmas as an adult in comparison to your feelings when you were a child? What has changed?
Naki: "As a child I used to look forward how many things on my list I received. As an adult I don’t look forward to gifts as much as I look forward to family."
Entertainment Macco: If there was one thing you could change about Christmas, what would it be?
Naki: "Timing, timing, it too close to Carnival man…Lawwd. Carnival and Christmas music clashing…."
Entertainment Macco: Are you on the Naughty or Nice list? I hope you are not getting coal in your stockings this Christmas… lol
Naki: This year I on the nice list, I always am, but Santa does pass me like a full bus, After he hear meh Parang this year where ah threatening him, ah sure sure sure sure ah on he blacklist fuh d nexx 2 3 yrs….lool
Entertainment Macco: That happen to you too? :-( Santa passing me like a full bus long time...lol
To purchase "Oh Holy Night" go to http://www.trinidadtunes.com/index.php?action=album&id=839
To purchase "Good Man" go to http://www.trinidadtunes.com/index.php?action=album&id=853
