Final farewell for Desi Jones brings out ‘everybody’

In celebration of the life of Desi Jones, those whose lives the master drummer touched filled inside the church as well as the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral on North Street in Kingston on Monday to say their final farewell.

The soulful music from top-tier singers and players of instruments filled the pews of the cathedral as the full house tuned in to Part 1 of the service, titled, Musical Tribute: Dean Frazer and the Musical Fraternity. And the tribute was as extraordinary as Jones himself was.

The Big Band, E Park Band, Peter and Rosina, Gem Myers, Carlene Davis, Iree SiStarz, Chris McDonald, Duane Stephenson, Wayne Armond, Dean Fraser, D’mario and Pam, Richie Kanary, Christine Virgo, Jheanelle Owens, Tessanne Chin, Ernie Smith, Sandy Smith, Mikey Spice, Tamekia Moncrieffe, and Winsome Benjamin were the chosen. They led out in giving thanks “for the life and legacy of a true music icon whose rhythmic heartbeat – the drums – inspired generations with his extraordinary talent and passion”.

That quote from former manager Minister of Culture, Gender and Entertainment Olivia Grange came at the beginning of her tribute, before her voice trembled, as the tears threatened to make their presence public.

“I have been fortunate to manage many of the artistes who are here today ... and they will all agree with me that Desi was special, and that is why they are all here today. And, this should be a celebration of Desi’s life, but it is one of those occasions that is surreal. We are celebrating his life, but we are very sad. We are extremely sad about his passing,” a sombre Minister Grange said.

Her tribute gave insights into Jones, who, at seven started playing the recorder and the Congo drums, moved on to the drum set at 12, and by 17 he was playing drums professionally with people like Sonny Bradshaw in the Sonny Bradshaw 7. Upon Bradshaw’s death, Jones took over the reins as leader of the Big Band. Myrna Hague, Bradhsaw’s widow, who Grange acknowledged in church as “one of the most beautiful voices Jamaica has ever birthed”, sang a special song for Jones.

In 1980, Desi Jones became a founding member of the band Chalice, a seven-member musical aggregation that helped to define reggae music. With the passing of Jones, there remains three original members of Chalice, and they were all present. Wayne Armond flew in from Florida where he resides to sing for Jones.

“I used to call him Jackie,” Armond shared with the audience, as he related the back story of Chalice’s hit song, Praise Him.

Desi came to him one day and told him that he had a song that he had started writing and wanted his help to finish it up. Appropriately, Armond chose Praise Him, which has become a beloved Rastafarian anthem, to pay tribute to Jones.

As a mater of fact, all the songs were appropriate. Pam Hall was on point with The Prayer; Christine Virgo was Unforgettable; Dean Frazer blew up Crystal Silence; and Sandy Smith, pulled on heartstrings with a powerful rendition from the Christian hymnal, Homecoming Day.

“Desi and I come from way back,” Sandy Smith told The Gleaner. “We used to sing with Jimmy Cliff from 2006. He used to be a mentor to me. Most of us as singers can tell you that we are coming from the School of Desmond Jones. And I had to choose that song today for it’s the most appropriate to send off my friend. June 4, 1988 is my birthday and it’s the same exact day as his wedding. And, every year, since 2006, he always calls to tell me ‘Happy birthday’. But we always try to first each other. This year is really sad because Desi is not here to tell me Happy birthday, but the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Commenting on the fact that so many people turned out for Jones, former Jamaica Federation of Musicians’ president, Desi Young, said, “Desi touched all the areas of music – classical, jazz, reggae – people from even Montego Bay, people come from Florida and maybe New York because I see a lot of people here who are not usually resident here. Everybody come out fi Desi Jones. He made a big impact ... the respect is there. Desi touched everybody.”

Desi Jones passed away on May 11 after being found unresponsive at home by his son. His last gig was the night before his death at Herbie Miller’s Friday Night Jazz at F&B Downtown.

“He gave fully of himself in a uniquely stellar and passionate performance that night,” Grange said. “Desi played those drums from the heart. Desi may have left us but his riddim, passion will continue to inspire forever.”

Jones is survived by his widow, Judith, and children Jodi and Joshua.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com