Jamesie: King of Scratch (review)

Abstract

Jamesie: of Scratch. DVD. Produced and directed by Andrea E. Leland. [Evanston, IL]: Nine Morning Productions, 2006. ISBN: 1574481770. $45.00 (individual); $99.00 (public libraries, with PPR); $250.00 (colleges and universities, with PPR). or music-what is it? Jamesie Brewster, the central character of this documentary, is called the King of Scratch because he is uncompromising in his traditional making. His songs narrate events in everyday life, about such tings as Your jackass in me yard, Caroline, Queen Mary, La Bega Carousel, and Mari Bull Loose Me. The documentary shows performances by Jamesie and the All Stars and the musicians talk about the origins of or music. The video begins with scenes of Jamesie making a banjo/guitar from a sardine can, a wooden board from which he carves the fretboard, later adding strings out of twine. This is his signature instrument which Jamesie still uses today, although not exclusively. Jamesie Brewster, born on St. Croix in the Virgin Islands in 1929, is the undisputed of band music, also known as Quelbe. Historian and educator Dimitri Copemann states: Quelbe comes from a fusion of bamboula rhythms and chants, carioso songs and melodies, mixed with the old military fife and drum music, and the various quadrilles, minuets, and jigs. (Tom Eader, Island Music, The Abis 025 [31 Jan. 2004]: 2) Tourists often attribute the term scratch music to the scratchy sound of the squash (gourd) musical instrument. Others attribute the term to these instruments which are made from scratch. The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917 for $25,000,000. Historic black and white film footage shows maps, slaves dancing, and a drawing of a Crucian native. was used by slaves to communicate when they were not allowed to talk to each other. Rhythms and instruments represented thoughts or ideas not recognizable by the slave masters. became the official of the Virgin Islands in 2004 when Bill No. 25-0056 was signed by Governor Charles Turnbull, and became Act 6642. His father, a well-known musician, forbid Jamesie to play on his guitar. When Jamesie touched the strings and was reprimanded, Jamesie his own guitar. After establishing himself as the king of scratch, his father told Jamesie to keep this tradition alive. In 2002, Jamesie was honored at the Summit of Tradition Bearers for his lifelong contributions to the musical heritage of the Virgin Islands. Historic footage of his family ancestors is displayed in blue and white colors. …