By Anthea McGibbon, Jazz Report Writer

Strong in sex appeal, Cuban-born Jon Secada, is without doubt among top Latin artistes of the 90s, gaining a Grammy for 'Best Latin Pop Album' in 1992 for his album 'Otro Dia Mas Sin Verte'. He has sold well in excess of 6 million worldwide.

Yet, Jon Secada was one hard act to follow at the recently concluded Art of Music Festival, especially with his riveting performances from as early as Monday which earned him new respect, where standing ovations were hard to reward him for his efforts.



He performed from his list of greatest hits which include Just Another Day, Do You Believe in Us, Angel, I’m Free, If You Go, Whipped, Mental Picture, Where Do I Go From You, Take Me, If I Never Knew You, Too Late Too Soon and Believe.  His moves were flawless in all appearances, but, Jon Secada is bent on convincing that music should be a part of every child’s education in music schools. Recently international journalist and art critic Anthea McGibbon caught up on the final day of “Art of Music” held at the Trelawny Multi Purpose Stadium, and the patient latin throb spent time to answer the following questions.

1. AMCG: Why chose this form of music, How did you discover your talent?
SECADA: My jazz education is a part of my musical history. I have a Bachelor's and a Masters' degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Miami. I've always enjoyed the fusion of varied musical styles within my own music, because I grew up listening to so many different grooves as a kid. That's the inspiration for my new jazz cd "Expressions".

2. AMCG: In your experiences and travels, what has been your best moments, and favourite artists or mentors?

SECADA: I've had the opportunity to have enjoyed an international career from day one that my debut cd came out. There's not one place that I love more than another. My main influences have come from singer/songwriters like Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and Elton John.

3. AMCG: How many concert appearances have you made? Hw varied have the concerts been?

SECADA: I've been fortunate that I've been able to perform all over the world.....first time, though for me to be included in this year's Jamaican Jazz and Blues Festival.....

4. AMcG: What is your latest creation?

SECADA: I currently have a brand new jazz CD out called "Expressions". March 30th I will be releasing a CD of nostalgic standards songs called "Classics"...

5. AMCG: How many years have you been contributing?

SECADA: My love for music started in high school...I studied music for six years at the University of Miami, and I've been a professional musician for 25 years.

5b. AMCG: Why did you come aboard aboard the Art of Music?

SECADA: I was both honoured and flattered to have been asked to be a part of this year's Jazz and Blues Festival. Jamaica is a country with deep rooted musical traditions.

6. AMCG: What has your experience been like?

SECADA: I had a tremendous week!!....

7. AMCG: How do you compare Art of Music to other concerts?

SECADA: The magnitude of this festival is very impressive...starting from the organization of it, to the line up of artistes that come every year.
8. AMCG: How critical/relevant/impacting is Jazz as an art form? Do you practise other art forms or careers?

SECADA: For me, my education in jazz music has represented a huge difference as a singer, songwriter and producer, in the way that I communicate with other artist. Besides music, acting and musical theatre has been another passion of ,mine. I've done two Broadway shows in my career, that I've learned from and enjoyed tremendously.

9. AMCG: How do you see the development of jazz worldwide?

SECADA: Jazz is an art form with a foundation, at this point based on musical traditions that will handed down generation to generation because of the value and depth of art form itself.

10. AMCG: How do you see Jazz globally in say 5,10,15 years especially in a developing age?

SECADA: Jazz will evolve the same way other musical art forms will, which in my opinion is based on the character and passion of new artist entering into the scene...

11. How do you see your art revolving as a jazz artiste?

SECADA: My musical career after a graduated from college with my jazz degree, became infused with all kinds of musical styles, jazz been one of them....and it will always be that way.

12. AMCG: What is your next project, production etc?

SECADA: The new jazz CD out now, "Expressions".....March 30th, "Classics"....later on toward the end of the year I also have a live dvd coming out that I recorded in Brazil, and a Spanish pop CD as well...
More at www.antheamcgibbon.com

Link to original article: EJAZZNEWS