A Man And His Guitar: Winsbert Jagrup Drops Instrumental Album Aimed At Soothing The Mind

ST. CROIX — Like drinking water, or doing anything else that comes easy and natural, Winsbert Jagrup played his guitar to about ten instrumentals that he arranged, for an audience seated at the Cardiac Center on the evening September 8.

The rhythms took their captive audience from one good mood to another, a reaction that pleased Mr. Jagrup, who has played with bands great and small, and has traveled the Caribbean, the U.S. mainland and Europe with renowned artists.

That Thursday night, however, was a time for Mr. Jagrup to shine. For years he had lent his gift to others — sometimes free of charge — adding indelible value that some would pay big money for. But there was a sound all his own, one that sometimes partially pierced through the musical creations of others, that needed its own stage.

It was so that “By The Water” was birthed. The album, which includes ten rhythms, introduces itself with a Latin-flavored track, dubbed “A Balair”, which translates to dance in English, with a mid-range tempo and heavily adorned — as are all the tracks — with Mr. Jagrup’s signature playing style.

The second track, titled “Mystic Dance”, slows the tempo somewhat, training one’s mind with a more predictable beat, while mixing soulful music with Latin guitar chords.

Track 9, named “Island Life”, expectantly lures its listeners with recognizable sounds of reggae music, again doused with Mr. Jagrup’s signature guitar sound.

Though the music captures different moods, it generally attempts to sooth one’s mind, ease tension, and is best enjoyed when you’re in search of peace, according to Mr. Jagrup.

“It’s a combination of different styles. As you know we’re a mixture of cultures in the Caribbean and we’re exposed to all different kinds of music here. So being a musician, you get to perfect a lot of the styles that are in the Caribbean, and therefore it is to our advantage to tap into those cultures and really touch the lives of different types of people,” Mr. Jagrup said.

“Music is a language that everybody understands. With this type of music, it doesn’t matter what mood you’re in, this relaxes you and sets you in a mood to calm down. At the end of a hard day’s work, it soothes your mind; it’s like a medicine,” he added.

Mr. Jagrup said though he’s wanted to release an album for years, this project only took about six months.

“I already had the songs in mind; it was just a matter of putting down what I had in my head,” he said. “It was one of my desires; something that I always wanted to do. It was on my bucket list. Also, as a musician, you want to leave your mark on this world and a legacy for your children and family to look back on and say, ‘Hey, my grandfather did this,’ or my ancestor — whoever. Children could look back on this and followup on, and even continue.”

The album is out on on iTunes and CD Baby. Locally, it can be purchased at Capital Tees and both Centerline Bakeries. Mr. Jagrup is also available for booking. Call tel # 340-277-3683.