Lennard Jack & Fusion

Lennard Jack & Fusion headlined by Lennard Jack, Jr. who is a progressive steel pannist, composer, song writer and arranger. Rising out of South Trinidad, part of the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago; where he started playing pan at the age of 17. Lennard Jack, Jr. now resides in the in USA, specifically the Washington DC metro area where he is very active in the pan fraternity.

His motto: Music with an accent!

Lennard is the leader of Lennard Jack & Fusion, a Jazz band with a Caribbean flavour. He is also a foundation member and one of the arrangers of Pan Masters Steel Orchestra. Lennard Jack & Fusion produced their debut cd, Give Thanks in 2001.

“There is no saying where we will travel to next; but one thing is for sure, we not going without we pan and all are welcome. Give Thanks.” John Blake, radio host Caribbean experience, WHUR.


History of LENNARD JACK & FUSION

Fusion was founded in 1985 by 5 students at Howard University in Washington, DC. Fusion offers a blend of music of the African diaspora to the Howard community and beyond. The original band members consisted of the leader, Lennard Jack, Jr., steel pans, from Trinidad and Tobago, Kenneth Joseph, drums, born in England of Trinidadian parentage, Chris Toussaint, percussion, from Trinidad and Tobago, Gath Hewlitt, guitar, from Tortola, and June Charles, bass guitar, from Trinidad and Tobago.

Over the years, due to migration, two members of the band , Gath Hewlitt and June Charles were replaced by David Boothman, keyboards, from Trinidad and Tobago, and Donovan Marks from Jamaica, on bass guitar. Joseph Louis from Haiti on vocals/guitar and Greg Smith on keyboards/drums are the newest members of the band.

The band features the steelpan as the lead instrument. The steelpan is the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century; and was invented by musicians in the twin island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago during the 1940s.

The instrumentation of the band consists of the steelpan, drums, keyboards, bass, percussion and guitar/vocals. The band is very flexible and can fill the needs of the clientele whether they are looking to hire a steelpan soloist or a sextet. We invite you to enjoy the sweet sounds of Lennard Jack & Fusion, and see why this band is one of the most requested bands.
Our motto: Music with an Accent!

“As long as I have known Lennard he has always been about contribution, love and harmony. He exhibits tremendous love for mankind through his music. He is constantly looking for a way to bring people together which is evident in the name of the band Fusion and the music they play.”
John Blake (Host of The Caribbean Experience), WHUR-FM, 96.3, Washington, DC.


SPECIAL PERFORMANCES OR AWARDS :
Lennard Jack, Jr. & Fusion performed at the Washington, DC PanJazz Festival, 1991 and 1992; sharing the stage with Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe, Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore, Robert Greenidge and Andy Narell
Holiday celebrations at the National Museum of American History, 1991-1994
Lennard has been featured in the Trinidad Express, The Washington Post (Washington, DC, USA), and the Prince George’s Gazette (Maryland, USA)
Played at both inaugural celebrations of former President Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1997

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
Pan Masters has been recognized as the best steelband by the Washington, DC Carnival Committee for 10 consecutive years, 1999-2008
Bluemont Summer Concert Series in Virginia, Pan Masters Steel Orchestra has performed there for the last 23 consecutive years
Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, DC for over ten years