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Defying definition: Xsentrick Gemini

12 March 2008

New British band presents a musical fusion of rhythmic sounds

They call themselves Xsentrick Gemini, and they play an eclectic mix of jazz rock fusion music, some of which has been inspired by legends like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Queen and Abba.

A personal favourite of Xsentrick Gemini’s band leader, composer and songwriter, Carlton Headley, is Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which created a musical revolution in the mid-1970s with the band’s merging of classical music with pop, rock, jazz and blues, which had great public appeal.

Carlton is influenced by the lyrical compositions of music legends that have broken new ground with their creative exploration of music which have turned their songs into pop art. He cited Abba’s 1981 hit song, ‘The Winner Takes It All’ as an example.

Xsentrick Gemini aims to challenge conventional views of popular music with their own compositions that will surprise and delight their audience at the ComCelebrate! concert to be held at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK, on 14 March 2008.

The talented 10-piece band will present funky vocal jazz with a heavy dose of the saxophone and trumpet backed by drums, percussion, and the keyboard.

Carlton Headley does not want Xsentrick Gemini to be labelled solely as a jazz band to avoid being limited by definition.

“New music that is progressive and which defies categorisation is the kind of music that we play,” said Carlton. “We are constantly experimenting with different music styles that will lend a uniqueness to our performance. The musical arrangement of each piece we play cannot be pinned down as purely jazz or blues or swing or rock, but a blend of these and other musical genres.”

Carlton’s musical compositions are varied, depending on his inspiration and moods. Being an accomplished saxophonist and flautist, Carlton’s compositions have a strong emphasis on wind instruments. The Middlesex University graduate finds greater joy in composing than in performing on stage. He is an ardent admirer of rock star, Sting, from whom he has drawn inspiration. Carlton likes the “theatrical quality” of Sting’s music and the lyrical poignancy of his songs.

As a tribute to his idol, Carlton is planning a re-mix of the latter’s 1970s hit, ‘Roxanne’ by merging his own composition with Sting’s original version. The re-mix can be produced in a recording studio in such a way as to appear as if Xsentrick Gemini was performing together with Sting.

“It has been my dream to produce a hit song in the manner of Sting and the song ‘Roxanne’ was one of his great hits that I was inspired to emulate,’’ said Carlton. “The song, which is about the life of a sex worker, struck a chord with me through its social message -- the stigma these women face in society, and their search for love and security to fill the void in their lives.”

In the re-mix, Carlton has written an introduction to ‘Roxanne’ that examines the harsh reality of life faced by those trapped by misfortune, poverty and desperation.

Many of Carlton’s songs explore the human condition – the psyche and emotions that characterise each person’s being. His latest composition, ‘A Game We Play’, examines the feeling of insecurity and hopelessness: “Money will buy you a caged bird. Your money may set you free, while I live the life of a caged bird, there’s nothing you can do for me.”

Carlton’s view of life has taken on a sombre tone of late with a poetic rendition of ‘Soldier of Time’ where he observes the fragility of life. His lyrics read: “Before me was an army that marched to the beat of a drum. A never ending rhythm until all time has gone.”

For Carlton, music inspires poetry and poetry inspires song. He combines these creative streams in his compositions about the rhythm of life and the way the world moves to different beats.