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Kick back in the hammock, grab a margarita, and enjoy the rhythmic vibes of Trinidadio’s latest musical experience, No Lifeguard on Duty. From the opening stack of parrots, looped with steel bases this eclectic album encompasses both musical talent and vibey tones. Not unlike the tropical paradise this album leads you into, No Lifeguard On Duty relieves you of the mundane and takes you to the comforts of tropical living. Illusions of sandy beaches and a big yellow sun melting into an orange sea nearly overwhelm the soul as track one floods into track 12 without ever giving you a reason to reach for the sun block. Effortlessly, song after song develops into something grander, something worry-free, something that has everything to do with a mindset and next to nothing with notes on a staff and words on paper.
The meandering vocals on the vibrant, “Rise,” will encourage you to take a lazy stroll over to the “Café Latina.” But it’s not all ‘Hey mon,’ and ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy.’ “All For Love” reveals the deeper, more emotional side of Trinidadio, and provides the perfect intro for “Reach,” which keeps the emotions rolling into the final two tracks. Perfect to finale form, the album’s closer, “Why Can’t We Be Friends” begs you audience to roll down the top and set the album on repeat.
The vocals and instrumentals on No lifeguard on duty mesh seamlessly, offering a bit of throw back and futurist art alike for the tides to come. The steel drums ring of familiar, tropical, Jimmy Buffet-esque flavor while offering something new for the parrothead in us all. Trinidadio paints pictures of palm trees and green seas rolling over white sand filled shores. From the upbeat danceable tunes to the kick-back-and-take-it-all-in attitude that personify this work, Trinidadio is undoubtedly set to take center stage; or the stage directly behind the swaying palms. Kick off your flip-flops and let the music guide you home. Setting sail with Captain Morgan has never been more fun.
Scott Hill
- BuddyHollywood.com
Trinidadio is a collection of LA-based musicians that combine their forces to write some compelling songs that they dub “tropical rock”. Well it sure does whisk me off to far off beaches in Hawaii and the Caribbean. There’s plenty of amazing percussion to gush over and I’m a sucker for steel drum. They say it’s an acquired taste—sorry they’re dead wrong. Once you hear it you’ll be hooked no matter what; there’s no learning curve to greatness.
J-Sin
- Smother Magazine / Smother.net – Editors Pick
This music is described as Tropical Rock with an emphasis on steel drum…excellent musicianship…these guys are really tight. If you like Caribbean type music, you’ll love this. It’s very authentic sounding. I’ve been to the Bahamas a couple times and couldn’t tell the difference. The interesting thing is that these guys are based out of LA, so it’s kind of cool to have such an authentic Caribbean vibe and you’re in California. Cool music, I like it. You can check them out at Trinidadio.com. My favorite off the CD is Cafe Latina. -Shane Boone
- ExposedRadio.com – Podcast #18
Discography
No Lifeguard On duty - Released Feb 2006
Photos
Bio
Welcome to the world of Trinidadio...where good times, dancing and fun are always blowing in on the prevailing trade winds. The tiki torches are lit, there's a fruity drink in your hand and the light and uplifting sound of steel drums is in the air. It is that unique sounding instrument which Trinidadio has threaded through all of their original material and lives.
If it takes a community to raise a child, Trinidadio was influenced early on by the many musical styles that can be found in the Los Angeles area. Maturing out of the L.A. rock and punk scenes, Fab Rodig and Jay Lawson unknowingly back-stepped into what would become a passion for Caribbean rhythms. Playing the steel drum not only provided them with a tool for positive expression but also with a greater purpose. The joy and happiness on their fan’s faces validated their musical journey. While exploring the tiny steel drum scene on the sunny Southern California coast (together and separately), Fab and Jay met the remaining original band-members, Tony Lee (guitar), Casey Jones (drums) and Davidson King (bass). All three are still known as first call musicians in the L.A. reggae scene and greatly contribute to the overall spiritual and musical vibe of Trinidadio.
Trinidadio combines musical styles like an experienced bartender mixing your favorite tropical well drink…One part reggae, two parts rock with a steel drum twist. Or for the more discerning pallet…mix in one glass, even parts of old school Marley with the blue-eyed reggae of The Police. In a separate glass combine calypso/soca grooves with the island sound of Harry Belafonte. Pour all ingredients into blender along with a jigger of Santana and a liberal splash of Jimmy Buffett. Blend on low or mellow speed. Voilá! “Tropical Rock.” Serve cold on a hot day or hot on a cold day. Don’t forget the umbrella!
Spreading ‘positivity,’ understanding and tolerance in a fun, uplifting way is the wave Trinidadio rides. Even though a song may have a dark theme, the steel drums are a source of light. Light and love prevail on the trade winds that blow through every Trinidadio song and show.
Individual Mini Bios:
Fab Rodig
Lead Tenor Steel Drum / Vocals
A long time bass player in Los Angeles, Fab has spent years on the road and in the studio. Fab was inspired by his grandfather, a career musician and music teacher. He started playing trumpet in elementary school and learned guitar and bass in high school. He has written and produced his solo album 'Strokin the Goat' and toured with perennial blues favorite, RedHot Blues. After years of playing bass in a steel drum band, Fab decided to teach himself to play the steel drum and start his own band. From there he never looked back. Currently he is performing locally and abroad as a steel drum player in his Calypso rock band, Trinidadio.
Jay Lawson
Double Seconds and Lead Tenor Steel Drums / Vocals
Jay Lawson is a full time professional musician who has been performing for over 27 years. He has studied with many teachers from such greats as David Garabaldi (Tower Of Power) and Alvin Henry. From there, his love of music brought him to P.I.T. (Percussion Institute of Technology) in 1990 where he studied with such greats as Joe Porcaro, Enzo Tedesco, and Ralph Humphrey.
In 1991, Jay found his love…the “Steel Drum” and is the Band Leader/Owner of Panjive Steel Drum Entertainment. Since 1995, he has performed internationally for the U.S. Military stationed overseas. Jay continues to stay on the forefront of the Steel Drum movement helping to bring peace through music and to help to introduce the music of the islands to our friends abroad.
Tony Lee
Guitar / Vocals
Tony Lee is a longtime professional who has studied guitar with Phil Upchurch and John Pisano. He is fluent in styles from jazz and reggae to R&B. Tony has also written and
produced tracks for popular artists such as Coolio, Sugafree and MC Ren of NWA.
In the band Trinidadio, Tony gets to stretch out. He is known for his smooth Caribbean rhythms and soulful guitar solos. Tony also gets to show off his singing ability on a few up-tempo reggae numbers.
Davidson King
Bass / Vocals
David was born on the island of Barbados. When he decided to make music a career, he moved to the United States. He is basically self-taught, but has studied under Putter Smith (Charles Mingus) at Pasadena City College and a few other Los Angeles bass tutors. His performance experience ranges from cabaret, some orchestra, cruise ships, clubs, concerts and casuals to recording and touring. He is currently involved in Caribbean (reggae, soca, folk, etc.), Spanish and North American Gospel music.
Casey Jones
Drum Set / Vocals
Casey Jones, a leader in the Caribbean music scene since the early days of Reggae music, is a world class musician. Originally from the small ‘island’ of Santa Barbara, Casey ha
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