TRINIDAD EXPRESS - By Phoolo Danny-Maharaj South Bureau - MYSTIC is a new musical band on the scene.
The eight-member group of Maude Street, La Romaine, includes in its repertoire western music, soca, chutney, reggae, Indian, crossover, Latin and parang.
Although it is not yet a year old, Mystic is billed already as the hottest band in the country.
Inspired by leader/arranger Roger "Rabbit" Ramoutar, Mystic is all set to blaze the entertainment trail at weddings, charity events, clubs, parties, bazaars and just about any occasion.
With a strong belief that their music must satisfy the listener, Ramoutar said: "We cater to the needs of all kinds of people. Although we are new, we are finding favour with all music lovers. We play the music people want to hear. We are booked up to April 2011 already."
Ramoutar, who was introduced to music at home by his mother Fatima Sandassie, continued at St Benedicts College, La Romaine, and at the Baptist Church, La Romaine. His love for music gave birth to the band.
Ramoutar: "I grew up loving music. I always had a desire to start a band. I thought with my background and experience and with the group of young members we could have a good band in the making. It was not difficult to get started because I got some young and dedicated members."
Mystic comprises vocalists Sudesh Jhagroo (Mastana Bahar winner 2004), Gary Jackson, Ria Ramaya and Josanne Rodriguez, who started singing at the Assumption Church.
Ravi Sinanan, a University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) student, is guitarist; Shiva Chaitoo plays percussion and keyboards, while Kendel Jaggernauth is drummer.
Ramoutar, who has his recording studio Lipstick based at the bandroom, said the band has recorded three tracks since it started last December: "O Re Saawariya", "Yeh Mera Dil" and "Deewanapan".
Davica Julia Roop-Boodoo manages the band. She described Mystic as a "crossover band that satisfies all musical requests for the young at heart". The band practises three times a week and is booked almost every weekend. Contact numbers for the band are 789- 4613 (Ramoutar) and 290-1058 (Roop-Boodoo).
