Clayton Julien Guiste, the bass guitarist of one of Dominica’s most famous bands, The Gaylords, has died.
Guiste died in London last week.
He was a founder member of the band, who, along with two other young boys, Crispin Seaman and Greg Bannis, started practising harmonies together in the 1960’s. This would eventually lead to the formation of one of Dominica’s most dynamic musical bands.
In addition his bassist role, Guiste was one of the band’s musical arrangers.
The Gaylords would co-opt more musicians, appoint a manger and go on to achieve the recognition that enabled them to perform in other Caribbean countries, North America and the United Kingdom, between 1969 and and 1973. During that period, the band also made two name changes. It became The Gaylords of Dominica and then, Gaylords Power Union.
Gaylords split up in 1974 but they would re-unite in 2003, to make a one-off nostalgic appearance at Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival.
Guiste remained in the UK and taught for a while. He then retired and started devoting more time to music again.
Below is the link to an online interview with Guiste after the band broke up.
The glory days of Music Dominica, pure natural African vibes was the sound of the day. Four corners buzzing with activism, Gaylords the standout band, De Boys An Dem whose band was housed in DE CORNERS, Wooden Stools , Voltage 4 plus Bells Combo from the rural district and the flag band Swinging Stars, were the foundation of Music Dominica. Brother Guiste and his fellow group members, were musical incarnated souls that graced the land scape in its truest form, the sound of his day, will be heard in the wind for eons.
Sorry to hear of his passing…The Gaylords Power Union played great music…and who can forget
lead singer Lord Breaker and also Lord Bingo…all so ably lead by manager Denis Joseph.