Feluke remembers 'Carrot' Jarrett's support - Third World bandmates play for former percussionist

Percussionist and singer Denver 'Feluke' Smith did 'Soul Alive' to close the first of four segments in the celebration of Irvin 'Carrot' Jarrett's life on Wednesday. It was not only their common musical affinity Jarrett having once been the percussionist in Third World Band that connected them, as Feluke mentioned Jarrett's presence during his experience with cancer.

"When I was going through my challenges, Carrot Jarrett was there. I heard this is one of his favourite songs," said Feluke, who has gone though extensive cancer treatment, including going to Mexico for healthcare. In addition to being a musician, Jarrett was a naturopathic healthcare practitioner.

The range of music played for Carrot, who died last week Tuesday and was cremated ahead of the thanksgiving service at Webster Memorial United Church in St Andrew, reflected the varied musical palate of a man who was also lauded as a life coach, dancer, father, big brother, perfectionist craftsman, and more.

So, saxophonist Dean Fraser played You Raised Me Up, and the trio of Keisha Patterson, Elan Neil and Renee Rattray delivered Dreamland. Patterson was on her own for Never Walk Alone, and Sarah Watson combined with Dannie Clarke on He Heals Me. It was not only song, as Dahlia Harris read the poem A Song of Living and Coleen Douglas delivered All Is Well. There was applause after the cultural tributes, the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) honouring Jarrett with drumming, as did the L'Acadco Drummers.

However, it was Third World Band, with additional musicians, that started and ended the performances for their former bandmate from the raised choir area, the slow Always Around coming at the beginning and uptempo Try Jah Love at the end.

Taking over from the Rev Gary Harriott to deliver the sermon, the Rev Dr Kofi Nkrumah Young incorporated lyrics from Ernie Smith's Life Is Just For Living, quoting the first and second verses extensively.

"Making a difference in people's lives was what Carrot was about," said Young. "For Carrot, this is the best time for his transition. His work is done."

There were insights into Jarrett's commitment by Dr Dennis Howard of the RJRGleaner Group as he recalled Jarrett coming to him at a radio station at 3:30 a.m. to deliver music, while there was applause when Senator Damion Crawford thanked Jarrett and other persons for their role in shaping a perspective on Jamaica dreadlocks and all. Another dreadlocked parliamentarian, Alando Terrelonge, speaking for Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, said Jarrett's "personal style" was very natural.