By Frederick Halley

GUYANESE-BORN Jan Morgan is described as a trumpeter extraordinaire and in some quarters, he is fondly referred to as a “musical genius” and a “musician’s musician.

In 1994, Morgan was a prominent member of the popular Mingles Sound Machine which was on a tour to Toronto, Canada and according to him, he seized the opportunity to stay on to assist a friend to set up a band and has made the North American country his adopted home ever since.

Morgan, who is also proficient in playing the trombone, reading, writing and arranging music, has been creating waves in the music industry since then, not only in Canada but also in the Caribbean, Europe and other parts of the world.

Morgan’s prowess in the industry hasn’t gone unnoticed. He was recently rewarded for his untiring efforts when the Guyana 50th Republic Awards Celebration Committee staged its Virtual Guyanese Republic Jubilee Awards Ceremony and Cultural Presentation, dubbed “An Evening of Appreciation, Recognition and Unity.”
Held under the auspices of The Consulate General of Guyana, Toronto, Canada, Morgan was bestowed with the Arts and Entertainment Distinction Award, presented to artists, musicians and cultural leaders in recognition of artistic excellence, cultural leadership and contribution to the arts.

The talented trumpeter has over the years played at numerous charitable events in the Guyanese community in Toronto which allowed him to expand and showcase his melodic musical virtuosity on the trumpet.

According to Morgan, he has been involved in recordings and performances for several international artistes, including the late Percy Sledge, Jamaican icon Pluto Shervington, King  Ajamo from Grenada, Anslem Douglas, Calypso Rose, Ronnie McIntosh, Calypso Rose and David Rudder from Trinidad and Tobago,  Red Plastic Bag, Rupee and Mighty Gryner from Barbados, Vincentians Ronnie McIntosh, Winston So So, and Nigel Lewis, reigning Grenadian Soca Monarch, South Indian film and music protege Vijay Prakash, whose song was featured in the movie, “Slum Dog Millionaire, the late Cuba Gooding Sr. and his singing group, and the great reggae superstar Luciano from Jamaica, among others.

Morgan also performed and recorded with several musical groups in Guyana and Canada, including The Yoruba Singers, Sound Dimension, Triple Play, Surefire, Traction, Neu Jenarashun (pronounced “new generation”), Ossie Gurley and The Truth, and Kobotown, which he’s currently a member.
Significantly, Kobotown has been nominated twice for the coveted Juno awards and won it in 2018 for the Best World Music Album.

In an exclusive interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Morgan pointed out that he joined the Guyana Police Force on Christmas Eve Day in 1978 and was transferred to the Military Band three months later, culminating in him achieving the rank of Sergeant. It signalled the start of a remarkable musical career. He, however, resigned in November 1988 and migrated to Canada in June 1994.
According to Morgan, he enjoys listening and playing all genres of music but, by playing music from Guyana and the Caribbean he keeps “our music” alive, more so, “because we need musical growth, we need musical quality and we need more fusion of our music into the North American and European scene”.
In his acceptance speech, during the recent awards ceremony, Morgan pointed out that “It was indeed an honour and privilege to be receiving the award for simply doing something I love; playing the trumpet and making people happy through music.”

According to the affable Morgan, “while awards are limited and few are chosen from many contributors, I am filled with gratitude that my particular form of music has led me to this moment.”

Morgan had special praise for the late Guyanese Harry Whittaker and Phillip “Barney” Small, whom he described as two of his main teachers and mentors and many other deserving artistes and musicians who helped and guided him along the way.

“I started off playing the steelpan and bugle on a Work-Study Programme with the Guyana Defence Force in 1978 and playing the trumpet in 1979, after being recruited by the Guyana Police Force Band.

“I give thanks to God for everything –- my family, friends, fellow artistes and supporters, for your love, encouragement and appreciation. May our journey together continue long into the future as we end this unique 2020 on this pleasant note. Thank you!”