Sunday Classics Experience

Growing up in Jamaica during the 70's and 80's exposed Empress Skortcher was exposed to a wide choice of radio programs from live broadcasts to pre-recorded shows. Sure there were Church Music, Ska, Rocksteady, Calypso/Mento, Reggae, Dancehall, Bluegrass/Country, Rhythm And Blues talk shows and "outside" broadcasts. However, one of her fondest memory of radio as a young curious child was listening to the Sunday Serenade on Radio Jamaica. Vivid imaginations took her on trips to places she has never ventured, others, she would later visit and live. The voices uncommon in Jamaican society but more so, the dramatic, and slow, melodious, entrances, middles or exists of the various musical instruments in each piece of music captivated her young mind. As she was mostly a loner, listening to the radio (whenever possible) or playing the records of her uncle created for her, new ways of thinking about life. As years went by, she would read about the cultures, lives, and times of as many of the musicians heard over the Jamaican radio air-wave during the wee hours of the night or on Sundays.

While attending Texas A&M University-Central Texas, USA, taking electives courses were a welcomed chance for Phyllis. She fulljoyed studying the elements of musical notation, and European/Western music theory from the Greek and Roman, Classical, Romantic, Baroque, Renaissance, Harlem Renaissance, Modern eras and became familiar with the works of early vocalists, composers, writers, and performers. You never know what will be in this mix bag on any given Sunday. Disclaimer: While most of the pieces are in their original forms (by the original performers), a few were re-created to allow for cleaner radio air play.