Q&A: Music of Motown and Latin Greats comes to Mary Hall

It's not often music aficionados in the Kootenays get to hear great R&B and Latin numbers with a big-band sound. Next week Ariana Bliek's "The Motown Spectacular" pays homage to the musical heroes of Detroit, while Terence Mazon's showcase, "Tropical Pop Fantastic," takes popular music from all ages and adds an Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean twist. With special guests Erica Landsberg, Paul Landsberg, Laura Landsberg, Allison Girvan and Kelsey Lutz.

Tell readers a little about your musical history and influences.

AB: My mom plays accordion and piano by ear. She was the one who first got me involved with piano, and I fell in love with it. Later, I got really involved with female adult contemporary artists like Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, Natalie Merchant, etc., but lately I've been excited about the R&B/Motown sounds.

TM: When I was 12, my parents came home with a big PA system and decided to start a deejay service for the Filipino community. From there my music sense took off. My main influences are Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and most of the old-school Latin stars, but also range up to Marc Anthony. Other genres of interest are Hip Hop, Old School Funk, Classic Rock and Top 40. Almost all of these genres have hard hitting conga playing in them.

What do you believe you bring creatively or technically to each other's music? How would the show be different if one of you wasn't there for the other?

AB: Terence is constantly inspiring me with new sounds and ideas. If it wasn't for him and his "big ideas," I probably wouldn't be putting on a showcase of this size or style.

TM: In Latin music the rhythm is number one. The piano is considered part of the rhythm section, only it has to mind complex rhythm and harmony. Ariana's sense of harmony and newfound love for Latin, blended with her technical facility of classical music and great work ethic makes her an asset to my showcase.

What training had you received prior to coming to Selkirk College, and how has your experience here affected your understanding and skill?

AB: I studied Royal Conservatory and completed my Grade 8 Practical and Grade 2 Theory. However, what really inspired me to take music was Mike Little, a local Calgary musician. He introduced me to different music and taught me how to play by ear.

TM: I studied music at Vancouver Community College. I was a bass major there, but then switched to percussion. I think Selkirk has developed my sense of musicality much more quickly. I've done my research and Selkirk is the only place where contemporary musicians of all types can truly express themselves without being pigeon-holed.

Terence said that you both wanted to "raise the bar" in terms of making your performance one that people would admire or remember. Why is this important to you?

AB: This is our final year and this performance is what we plan to use for future job opportunities. I want to put on a very prepared, professional show. I want to show those who've supported me that the time and money was worth it, and that I am capable of organizing and performing something of this significance.

TM: She said it.

The Motown Spectacular & Tropical Pop Fantastic Band:

• Ariana Bliek, keyboards, Terence Mazon,
• percussion, Sam King,
• bass, Sam Mackinnon,
• drums, Geoff Lundstrom,
• guitar/vocals, Alexina Davis,
• vocals/percussion, Eden Richmond,
• vocals, Malaika Horswill,
• vocals Horns: Krispen Elder,
• saxophone, Tim Bullen,
• trumpet, Rick Lingard,
• saxophone
• Choir: Geordi Campos, Michelle Maliska-Young, Camille Labonte, Aline Daigle, Celina Silva, Kiera Campos-Baal, Rebecca Landsberg Special Guests: Erica Landsberg, Paul Landsberg, Laura Landsberg, Allison Girvan and Kelsey Lutz

First published on April 01, 2008