Saxophonist Verlando Small Launches ‘Reimagined’ Headline Concert

International saxophonist and Digicel Rising Stars winner launches two-night showcase on Mother’s Day weekend, celebrating musicianship and legacy

Verlando Small (R) with legendary saxophonist Dean Fraser (L) during the event launch

International saxophonist Verlando Small announced his two-night headline concert series, Reimagined.

The showcase is set for May 9 and 10 at the Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, located on the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. The event will be presented by the Verlando Small Reimagined Production Team in partnership with Aureum Luxe Entertainment.

Small shared that he chose Mother’s Day weekend as the timeline for his first headlining concert for one reason. “My mother believed in me… even when I was too small to survive in the hospital. She never gave up on me when I could not read at seven. When others would make fun of me, she’d say “You’re gonna be ok! You’re gonna grow up and be somebody and you’re gonna make me very proud.” he said.

“We [musicians] are at the centre of every bad riddim, every number-one hit, every sold-out tour, every studio session, and secretly in the hearts of billions worldwide through our contributions to the culture.”

That unwavering belief led to him being accepted into UWI to pursue and complete a Bachelor of Science in Geology with a minor in Geography. The same Campus is also where he built on his instrumental talent at The Phillip Sherlock Centre, the venue for the intimate concerts.

Executive Producer Nicole Osborne shared that patrons should expect a fabulous show. “The vision is about musicians’ talent and gifts on display to celebrate them. The centre has 250 seats, with no standing room, so we are producing a premium and intimate event for music lovers and mothers,” Osborne said.

Small remains the only non-vocalist to win Jamaica’s Digicel Rising Stars talent competition across its 20-season history, showcasing his versatility through genre-fluid performances spanning jazz, reggae, soul, orchestral textures, and contemporary worship.

Verlando Small with Jamaican music industry veteran Tommy Cowan at the launch

Speaking at the launch, Small emphasized that the time has come to place instrumentalists at the forefront, highlighting their critical role in the music industry. “We [musicians] are at the centre of every bad riddim, every number-one hit, every sold-out tour, every studio session, and secretly in the hearts of billions worldwide through our contributions to the culture. Yet still, we seldom amount to more than ‘bands man’. We’re not seen as a necessity, but disposable,” he said passionately.

“Jermaine Edwards was the first artiste to invite me into his world after Rising Stars… I actually met him through gospel night. He’s been a mentor, brother and gave me the space to develop,” Small shared. “Working with his experienced band rapidly nurtured my growth as a saxophonist. Where I am today would not be possible without his contribution, as well as that of Troy Palmer.”

The musician corps will be out to support the Verlando Small Reimagined concerts in May. The productions will be backed by musical director Evan Mason, alongside Nicholas Groskopf, Joe Davis, Colin Phillips, Brandon Benjamin, Robert Malcolm and Keneil Delisser.