JAM: October/November 2005 Issue: Hampton's Hot Licks

Wow Club Med Audiences in the Dominican Republic
By Jan Cartwright

The newly formed band Nouba (French slang for “party” or “celebration”) was the brainchild of KC bassist Jean Grevet and his wife Sharon.

“We spent a week at the Punta Cana Club Med in February of 2005 and loved it,” said Jean. “We started thinking, ‘Why not treat the Club Med audiences to some of the incredible talent back in Kansas City?'”

After a short gestational period, and with the love and nurturing that any child deserves, Nouba was born: Joe Cartwright, piano; Ray DeMarchi, drums; Tom DeMasters, guitar; Jean Grevet, bass; and Lester “Duck” Warner, vocals and trombone.

“We put together an application and an audition tape,” said Jean. “A couple of months later, we were notified that we got the job.”

Nouba performed on a nightly basis at the Punta Cana Club Med in the Dominican Republic from July 16–23.

“The ‘party band' concept allowed us to perform a wide variety of music,” said Joe. “We played everything from R&B to rock and roll, swing to salsa, and the audience loved it all.

“The Club Med experience was a great way to combine work and pleasure,” Joe continued. “We expect a return engagement next year.”






	Search our site:		Wow Club Med Audiences in the Dominican Republic By Jan Cartwright The newly formed band Nouba (French slang for “party” or “celebration”) was the brainchild of KC bassist Jean Grevet and his wife Sharon. “We spent a week at the Punta Cana Club Med in February of 2005 and loved it,” said Jean. “We started thinking, ‘Why not treat the Club Med audiences to some of the incredible talent back in Kansas City?'” After a short gestational period, and with the love and nurturing that any child deserves, Nouba was born: Joe Cartwright, piano; Ray DeMarchi, drums; Tom DeMasters, guitar; Jean Grevet, bass; and Lester “Duck” Warner, vocals and trombone. “We put together an application and an audition tape,” said Jean. “A couple of months later, we were notified that we got the job.” Nouba performed on a nightly basis at the Punta Cana Club Med in the Dominican Republic from July 16–23. “The ‘party band' concept allowed us to perform a wide variety of music,” said Joe. “We played everything from R&B to rock and roll, swing to salsa, and the audience loved it all. “The Club Med experience was a great way to combine work and pleasure,” Joe continued. “We expect a return engagement next year.” RETURN TO OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2005 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2005. All rights reserved.