VI Legends: Where are they now:Spectrum Band
Spectrum Band first Originated in 2004 they are a local band, located in St.Thomas U.S.V.I. The band began when Malvern Gumbs produced an album called Soca Spectrum Vol.1 and in 2005, Soca Spectrum Vol. 2. Those albums did so amazing that people began asking for live performances. It was a former member Terence Gumbs who said, we should name the band Spectrum Band, because we need to play a Spectrum of music, hence, Spectrum Band. Their brand can be described as a group of seasoned musicians bringing over 30 years of music to the Virgin Islands. The band is made up of 6 members however there are 4 original members of the group that was present when they first began. The band members are as followed Malvern V. Gumbs :Vocalists, Akeel Breedy :Keyboardist, George Thomas :Guitarist Darryl Blyden :Bassist, Leonard "Lenny" Monsanto :Drummer, Wendel Thomas – Engineer, Fitzroy “Figgy” O’Garro - Manager and last but certainly not least Malvern V. Gumbs and Daniella “Lioness” Richardson the lead singers. With so many years of experience it's sometimes hard to remain relevant, They remain relevant by constantly listening to what's happening in the entertainment world, and adjusting the elements of our music to suit the market, while maintaining our identity musically. They've coordinated with a few bands and many artists in the Virgin Islands thus far. When first beginning music it can be difficult it can be often difficult to get your name out there and even be recognized for you work. It wasn't difficult because a few people in the band were recognizable. Lorna Freeman and Malvern Gumbs were known vocally. It still took alot of hard work to get them were they are today. Spectrum Band has been in existence for 13 years. Their favorite performance venues are Jackie Robinson Park in New York, the carnival village in Saba and Virgin Haven in hometown St.Thomas. Their advice to other bands is don't take short cuts, it will cost you in the long run, ignore the noise because everyone don't want to see you do well. You need to believe in yourself and your brand despite what people say. They have a few new things in store for 2019 such as their big hit out now "Ah love Meh Wifey, that is already buzzing around the Caribbean, along with 340 Riddim, produced by Malvern v. Gumbs, featuring the various Virgin Islands artists. Also there is a song called "Jus Because" featuring the CAHS Mighty Marching Hawks, that is filled with arrangement and musical glamour. Few other songs featured this year will be "Body Shop", "Paparazzi," Wickedest Wine, "Stop playing Victim, "Gimme Deh Rum," and "Stop acting Stush," by Hugo Hodge Jr. Left, Right, stop, walk was a big hit in 2015 and is still relevant today, It was sung by Lorna "The Fox" and remains in their jams up to this day. We can expect a few things from them for St. Thomas carnival 2019 such as pushing their music a little more meaning that the lyrics will be a little edger than their previous musical projects. Spectrum band is a pillar in the community and has worked hard to where they are today and they definitely deserve the recognition and a platform to showcase them as artists. Being that it is Virgin Islands History Month we celebrate Spectrum Band and wish them the very best on their future endeavors.
Written By: Minoca Alexander
PC By: Spectrum Band Facebook Account
Information provided by: Spectrum Band and their Band Manager
