Seeing a need and meeting it Seeing a need and meeting it
stories by DAVID HINKSON
NORMAN BARROW, the founder and managing director of A&B Music Supplies, and a skilled musician and sound engineer, said the decision to start a store supplying musical instruments and accessories came about because the market was not well served when he was active in the music industry.
“In the early 1960s, I had started to play the guitar and became a musician, playing with a number of local bands, the Lucky Seven, the Silhouettes and the Sandpebbles. At that tim, it was very difficult to get musical supplies, such as instruments, accessories and other equipment in Barbados. In the early 70s, with the suggestion from a friend at the time, I started to import accessory items and sold them from my apartment. I turned one of the two rooms in my homes into a showroom and that is where I started. With the help of a partner we made a few attempts at setting up a store but it did not prove to be successful. We had a store in Swan Street and then in Worthing.
“The name A&B came from the surnames of the two of us. As things were not going very well, we parted and I took it over. By that time I was married and with my wife Amy and my mother, we moved into a shop space on Prince Alfred Street where we started with an empty shop and a big debt. We had no money, and my father helped me by signing as guarantor for a very, very small overdraft, and that allowed us to start to buy stock.”
Norman’s wife and company director, Amy Barrow, picks up the story from this point. “We got our first major supplier when we wrote to the Fender company and asked whether we could work with them. Henry Gilbert, the sales manager at the time, came to visit Barbados when Norman was out of the island, and he spoke to me and my mother-in-law, and we became the representatives for Fender guitars, Rhodes keyboards and Rogers drums.
“At the time, there was another store that sold household appliances and other electrical items with a small section selling musical instruments, and they had been trying to get the Fender contract for some time, but Gilbert said he did not like the idea of his products being sold among fridges! At that time we had absolutely nothing and that gave us our first jump.”
Norman added, “When we got started, there were a lot of live bands in Barbados, so people were able to come in and get accessories like guitar strings, drum skins, drum sticks and so on because we tended to concentrate on those items.
“One of our earlier customers was the Barbadian gospel artiste, Sister Marguerite Marshall. During the day she sold sno cones in the bus stand close to our shop, and she wanted to get some instruments for her band. One day she came into the store and I told her, “Pick out what you want, take it, and pay me every week.” So she took them, and eventually her band did very well, and every Friday evening she would come into the store with a bag full of 25 cent coins and drop them on the counter to make her payments, and Amy and I would spend hours counting it!”
From there, the company branched into other areas, including the sale and rental of professional audio equipment and developed a rental department which provided services to events and was the pioneer in providing these services for Crop Over, which was in its infancy at that time. With the knowledge gained in sound systems, they started to supply and design public address and audio systems for hotels, clubs, conference facilities, churches, elections, schools and live concerts. The company’s expertise with sound systems has allowed it to provide its services across the Caribbean, where A&B has supplied equipment and its technical expertise to cultural and other significant national events in the region.
The first major break came in 1983 when they were contracted by Lionel Ellis to provide the sound system for Pope John Paul’s visit to St Lucia. That was a major undertaking for a young company and was a tremendous success. “We did not have all the equipment that was necessary to do it but with the help of the Government of St Lucia and Prime Minister John Compton, we were able to round up all the equipment that was available in St Lucia and we designed a system to do the job.” From there, the company became a leader in that field and, from then until now, have provided its services to the following regional festivals and events.
St Lucia Jazz Festival and Carnival
St Vincent Blues Festival
Grenada Jazz Festival and Carnival Antigua Carnival
Dominica Creole Festival and Carnival
St Kitts Carifesta
Mustique 50th Anniversary Trinidad Carnival
NORMAN BARROW, Founder and Managing Director of A&B Music Supplies, (GP)
AMY BARROW, Director of A&B Music Supplies and wife of founder, Norman Barrow. (GP)
Amy Barrow, Director of A&B Music Supplies and wife of founder Norman Barrow, said she first became more aware of music after she met him, and eventually, as the business grew, she began to learn more about it.
“Norman started the business because as a musician himself, he had found it difficult to get accessories, instruments and other equipment. His mother and I ran the store in the early days because he was either touring with The Sandpebbles or working at REC studios as a recording engineer, and if customers came in with any questions that we could not answer, once he was in the island we would call him at the studio and he would come in and assist.
“Eventually I learned to read music with (the late) Doris Provencal and learned to play the steel pan, and I also became more familiar with musical instruments over the years. When we first started, they were many people who assisted in helping me to learn about wind and brass instruments, especially Assistant Director of Music Closton Grant and Sergeant Eyre Foster from the Barbados Police Band. Mr Grant also used to repair those instruments for us. Mr Colin Allman helped when it came to learning about violins.
“During this time we were also approached to source the descant recorder for schools as this was a basic requirement by the Ministry of Education as they were starting to introduce Music Education into Schools. This led
us to find the Dolmetsch recorder which we have stocked for over 30 years. Generally, whatever schools needed we would try to acquire.
I would also like to thank the late Doris Provencal for helping me design, create and produce our own Music Dictation Book and this was followed by our six- and 12-stave manuscript books.”
Amy said over the years she has benefited tremendously from attending conferences put on by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). “Norman’s first NAMM conference was held in Europe during the winter, and when he came back, he was not in the best shape health-wise – owing to the cold weather! But since then, we have attended many NAMM shows, and sometimes I would go alone or with (sales manager) Judy. This has helped me to keep current and develop lasting relationships with suppliers and manufacturers. And that was how I learned and grew in this business based on the amount of products I was exposed to and so on.” NAMM also has many training sessions at the show which I also learnt a lot from.
“I love what I do, but sometimes it is hard to keep up. As we mark this milestone, we both still love it and would like to see the business continue in capable hands.” (DH)
has taught me quite a lot Journey has taught me quite a lot
Journey
More than sales for Judy More than sales for Judy
Keeping the books in order
NATURALLY, A COMPANY
LIKE A&B Music Supplies does business with companies and individuals not only in Barbados but in the Caribbean and the World. Customs Clerk Barbara Ward, and Accounts Assistant Marlene Carter, help to keep all the transactions in order.
Barbara Ward joined the company in 2003. Her work entails all dealings with the Customs department. Preparing entries and related documents, sending them to Customs, doing costing, entering stock, transferring stock to the store and keeping the bond files in order and up to date.
She also works on obtaining duty-free concessions for schools, churches, charitable organisations and hotels. She stated that “Initially, everything was done manually, but now with the new ASYCUDA system everything is online. The process is much faster, so documents can be processed and assessed in real time, and you can also go in and check your transactions at any time.”
Marlene Carter joined A&B Music Supplies in October 2008. “My job involves preparing the payroll for weekly staff, as well as preparing invoices and paying suppliers, both foreign and local. We also pay our contract workers, for example, those who are hired to do specific jobs such as setting up and operating equipment at events. Part of the work also involves reconciling daily sales.”
She said while business naturally dropped off both in Barbados and the Caribbean during the COVID-19 pandemic, to some extent it has recovered in that once again they can sell instruments and equipment and shows and other public events have resumed to their pre-pandemic levels. (DH)
Sales Manager Judy Kinch, describes her job as “a little bit of everything”. She has been with the company for 25 years, after stints in the hotel sector and jewellery sales. “When I first came to the company, we had our main branch at Prince Alfred Street in Bridgetown, as well as smaller branches at Cave Shepherd, Courts and Sheraton Centre. I started at the Sheraton branch when it was a CD store, but as methods by which people were getting access to music changed, the store evolved into a musical instrument store and I had to learn quickly about those products. When COVID hit us we closed the Sheraton branch and I moved to Wildey. My job involves selling, stocking the shelves, tallying cash, ordering products and communicating with vendors. Since it is a small operation, I have learned to multitask.”
Over the years, Judy has also benefited from attending sessions held by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
She noted that one of the elements of her job she enjoys the most is interacting with customers, whom she said represented a very wide cross-section of people, from the youngest child who is learning music for the first time to those who have already gained a name for themselves in the entertainment industry as well as those playing for pleasure.
“When we closed Sheraton, I also brought the purchasing of tickets for events to Wildey and now tickets for all events are available in Wildey. I believe that customers prefer to purchase here as its easy to park and come into the store.” (DH)
JUDY KINCH , sales manager. (JJS)
BARBARA WARD, Customs Clerk. (JJS)
MARLENE CARTER , Accounts Assistant. (JJS)
PEDRO HUNTE, Production and Rentals Manager, (foreground), has been with the company almost from the inception and Kenroy Gibson has 15 years on the job. (JJS)
OVER THE YEARS , A&B Music Supplies has developed a reputation across the Caribbean as the go-to company for the provision of sound systems that have powered events of all kinds. Norman Barrow said, “I think I was born with a gift for audio because I have also been a successful sound engineer, and we started a rental division and began to design concert systems for big shows.”
Production and Rentals Manager Pedro Hunte, says, “I first met Norman in 1983 at a sound check for a concert featuring Sister Sledge in Barbados. At that time, I just used to come down and watch sound checks, and a guy named Roland Stephens asked me to come and help set up the equipment because it had come in late. About two months later, I got a call from Norman to come in for an interview, and a week later I joined the company and have been there ever since.
“My job entails managing the rental department, and I am also the production manager, in that I deal with all the events we are asked to cover, and that includes coordinating the event, setting up the equipment and operating it. There are two sides to the rental business where people can come in and rent speakers or public address systems, and they either come and collect it from us, or we take it to them and set it up. Depending on the event, once everything is in order, we can get everything ready within two days, but for larger events, like the Crop Over Festival, it can take three to four days.
“The biggest event I have worked on was Barbados’ 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations in 2016, where we handled the majority of the activities associated with that, for example, a concert at Kensington Oval which featured two stages, as well as the unveiling of the Independence monument at the Garrison Savannah. We have also done shows in Dominica, St Vincent, St Lucia, Grenada, Antigua and Trinidad and Tobago, and in fact, A&B introduced sound systems to many of the Eastern Caribbean islands. They learned from us because we always hired local people and trained them on the job.”
System Technician Kenroy Gibson, has been with the company for 15 years and says the job has been a learning experience for him. “When I first came here, I knew nothing about sound, but I am a fast learner. Basically, when we have an event, I am responsible for setting up all the equipment and checking it to see that it is working properly, and when we design a sound system, I know exactly what to bring. I am also responsible for the maintenance of all of it.”
Today, the demands of the performers has grown which has resulted in A&B having to invest in all the latest technology that is used at major concerts around the World. Norman says, “The value and quantity of equipment that we use today to provide for a concert is several times more in value and quantity than when we started.” (DH)
Bringing sound to live events of all kinds
Bringing sound to live events of all kinds
Celebrating 50 Years of Musical Excellence
Courts Ready
Finance congratulates its merchant-partner
A&B Music Supplies Limited on 50 years of sterling contributions to musical artistry and culture in Barbados.
FROM LEFT, Sons of Norman Barrrow, Elliotts ‘Soca Surfa’ Barrow, Joseph Vezina, and general worker with A&B Music Supplies, the ever-present Noel ‘Blue’ Olivierre. (GPS)
by AKIL FRANKLYN
remains significant.
Helping to shape a legacy
Helping to shape a legacy
As A&B Music Supplies marks its 50th anniversary, the spotlight shines on the individuals who have played vital roles in shaping its legacy. From the family’s younger generation to loyal staff members, the stories of Elliott Barrow, Joseph Vezina, and Noel “Blue” Ollivierre offer a glimpse into the heart of this iconic Barbadian institution.
Elliott Barrow, one of the sons of founder Norman Barrow and wife Amy Barrow, has been involved with A&B Music Supplies from an early age. His first foray into the world of music and performance came during his childhood, attending event set-ups and actively participating in the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA).
Elliott’s talent shone brightly when he entered the Junior Calypso Monarch competition at the age of 11. Given the moniker Soca Surfa by his brother Joseph, Elliott secured victory in the competition in 1992, later performing in the Untouchables tent and participating in the inaugural Party Monarch competition.
At just 14 years old, Elliott demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, independently setting up the A&B store at Cave Shepherd. Despite his evident talent and early involvement in the family business, Elliott’s true passion lay elsewhere. After completing university,
he returned briefly to A&B but later pursued a successful career as a senior portfolio manager and investment advisor at RBC Wealth Management in Barbados. Yet, his ties to the company remain strong as a director of A&B Music Supplies Ltd
Joseph Vezina has been part of A&B’s journey since its inception, witnessing its growth from the tender age of five. His teenage years were filled with music, as he became the lead singer of Rokkus, a rock band he formed with friends.
Following his studies abroad, Joseph returned to contribute to the family business, focusing on customs entries and later lending his expertise to organise the workshop after A&B’s move to Wildey. His background in sound engineering added a dynamic layer to his contributions, including a stint as the sound engineer for the renowned Barbadian band Spice and Company
Joseph’s versatility was evident as he assisted in various aspects of the business, from logistics to sound engineering. Although he eventually followed a different path and moved to Massachusetts, where he now serves as Head of Security at a hospital, his impact on A&B’s development
Noel “Blue” Ollivierre has been a steadfast presence at A&B Music Supplies for many years. Known for his meticulous work in the rental department, Blue ensures that every cable used during shows is laid, cleaned, and properly stored afterwards. His dedication extends beyond event set-ups, as he also maintains the pristine surroundings at the Wildey location.
Blue’s contributions, though often behind the scenes, have been essential to A&B’s success. His unwavering commitment reflects the company’s core values of excellence and reliability.
The stories of Elliott, Joseph, and Blue exemplify the rich tapestry of talent, dedication, and passion that defines A&B Music Supplies. As the company celebrates five decades of musical service to Barbados, it is individuals like these who remind us of the importance of hard work, adaptability, and community spirit. Their journeys, though diverse, intersect in their shared commitment to the company’s legacy, ensuring that A&B Music Supplies continues to inspire and innovate for generations to come. (DH)
We service what we sell We service what we sell
A&B MUSIC SUPPLIES is known to service whatever they sell. Above, is current technician Carl Bovell. Also pictured is a small sampling of what is on offer in store. (JJSs)
FROM THE BEGINNING, A&B Music Supplies has been focused on after-sales service and being able to service/repair what they sell.
“Hartley Peavey from the Peavey Electronics instilled that in me,” Carl said. He established a school for his dealers. At that time sound systems were relatively new to musical performances and people didn’t quite understand how they worked. As a result, they would often take the equipment and try to do things with it that it could not do, and then it failed. I was invited to, and attended many of these sessions. Peavey believed if you sold a product, you should be able to demonstrate and service it. Repairing what we sell has given us a great name as our customers know that if they buy something from us, they can always come back if they encounter problems. “
The company’s current technician, Carl Bovell, first came into the business when he was still a student at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI). “I was studying Electronics Servicing and Technology and came in on a job attachment where I worked with my predecessor. I’ve now been here for 12 years and every year we bring in one student from the SJPI on job attachments.
“I repair amplifiers, mixers, keyboards, electronic pianos and other items. One of the main challenges these days is that manufacturers make electronic circuitry so small that it has to be replaced and not repaired.”
The company’s directors and other representatives also attend sessions held by the United States based National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) on a regular basis in their efforts to keep up to date with the newest equipment and technology in the music industry. (DH)
In a class by himself
In a class by himself
OVER THE YEARS , A&B Music Supplies and founder and Managing Director, Norman Barrow, have assisted many entertainers and cultural practitioners. In 2023, Barrow’s alma mater, Harrison College, gave him a special honour at its Mosaic Committee event. Here are some of the testimonies given.
Anthony Sargeant, Musician and Teacher – Nationalistic, outspoken, reliable, marvellous, accommodating. Norman has always displayed an impeccable attitude. The above- mentioned characteristics became evident to me during my tenure as guitarist, and later external coordinator with the National Cultural Foundation when he donated a sound system to assist with rehearsals and other preparatory activities. In 2005 the inaugural Primary Schools Choir Competition was sponsored by A&B Music Supplies in association with the Ministry of Education, subsequently, similar activities like schools music festivals received and benefited from his generosity. On a later I called him to enquire about some assistance with a fundraising effort. Within seconds, he said, “Mr Sergeant, all you have to do is make sure that the technical staff refreshments, and I will provide the equipment.”
Val Cuffy, former Executive Director of the Dominica Festivals Committee – I have had the privilege of knowing Norman Barrow for a number of years, having worked as the Executive Director of the Dominica Festivals Commission, now known as the Dominica Festivals Committee. Norman Barrow was the pioneer, working us in the beginning to bring the sound stage and lighting equipment for the World Creole Music Festival, a premier festival in the Caribbean. It was a privilege and honour working with Norman; he was always very astute, always clear on exactly what the plan was and to execute in the most professional manner with his team to make sure we had the best sound and light for the season.
Martin McCann – Audio System Designer from Peavey Electronics in the United States – I came to Barbados I trained Norman’s people. He’s got some very qualified technicians, and the rest is history. He has built a great sound company, he has built a major sound for you, and have been twice to concerts you have held on the beach. It was great seeing a system operating like that, getting exposed to Barbados’ music. I have trained over a quarter of a million people over 38 years, and I have to tell you this. Norman is in my top four as far as people I have influenced. My goal was to help other people meet their goals, and when you help other people reach their goals, is rewarding also.
Mikey Hulsmier - Musician, Producer, De Red Boyz – Norman Barrow’s contribution to the music and entertainment industry in Barbados is immeasurable. has been a pioneer in live sound, he has raised the bar considerably over many, many years, he has always been there to guide younger people in the business; once you
THE PLAQUE presented to Norman Barrow by his alma mater Harrison College. Below and far right, 50th anniversary congratulations have been pouring in to the company. (GPs)
its Barrow, cultural mater, Mosaic given.
Nationalistic, evident external when and Primary Music Education, and festivals date, Sergeant, gets knowing worked working with lighting premier honour always the that Peavey and qualified great and I beach. getting quarter you their goals, it He bar been you
seek out his knowledge. I remember him being an integral part of my early days as a musician in Barbados, to the point where basically he gave us a bunch of equipment; we had a truck at our disposal, he gave us an engineer, and he said, “You guys are a good little band, it’s time you start sounding that way! So take this equipment, and you guys go out there and do your thing, and do the best that you can, and I will assist you in getting some gigs”; and he did. He went to Harbour Lights and gave us a little gig there on Monday nights, and we got a gig in the Warehouse on a Sunday night. Not the biggest nights, but we tried to make it work the best we could and it was an opportunity for us to play for people other than our friends. It really provided us with a stepping stone to get to the next level, and I will never forget him for that.
Nicholas Brancker – Musician, Arranger, Producer – I first met Norman in the early 80s. There was a band at school called Manjack that I was a part of and we managed to negotiate with Norman to borrow a guitar amp on Saturdays from A&B Music Supplies so that we could rehearse and practise as a band, and he graciously lent us that guitar amplifier and we played a whole band through that – bass, keyboards, guitar, everything, through this one Fender twin reverb amp. That was my first encounter with Norman on a business level.
I started producing music for Crop Over in the 1980s, and I was commissioned by WIRL, West Indies Records Limited, to produce an album for Adonijah. It was the first album I ever produced, and I recorded it at the REC studios which belonged to The Merrymen at Searles Plantation, and Norman was the engineer on that album.
He and I worked on that whole album together and his years of experience helped me because this was the first time I was doing it, and I had an idea of what I wanted, but I really didn’t know how to execute it properly, and he was very patient with me.
After that, I started a band with Philip Forrester and Cindy Legall called Second Avenue, and we went to Norman and asked whether we could buy all the equipment on hire purchase. And Norman said, “I don’t normally do hire purchase for bands, because equipment does be moving around, it might get mash up and thing, but I trust you all, I will put my faith in you all, and I’ll do hire purchase with you all.” So Second Avenue started with a hire purchase from Norman Barrow who gave us all the equipment, from sound system, to keyboards and everything, and that is what allowed us to start playing at different venues in Barbados, and we were so paranoid about what Norman had done that we actually paid off the loan in about a year, because we made sure we paid that loan sometimes even before we paid ourselves.
Later on, I can say that I contributed to him, because I was asked to play at the St Lucia Jazz Festival, and I asked Norman to come and do the sound for me, and he said yes, because at that time I was working regularly doing festivals all around and I always wanted the experience of Norman because he always knew how to deal with the sound companies. And he came, and there was all kinds of confusion with the sound in St Lucia. And he took his time and got everything sorted out and we played. It sounded great and the people had a ball, and out of that performance, Norman got the contract to do all the St Lucia Jazz Festival’s performances in the Square for a few years. Our association is long and fruitful, hopefully for both of us, and he has always been a committed Barbadian, always has been very committed to music and for that I have always respected him.
NICHOLAS BRANCKER and the Red Boyz (at right). (FPs)
Special tokens mark 50 years
Special tokens mark 50 years
skilled hands in our company, was born out of a great story: Andy Mooney – Fender’s CEO – collected postage stamps for many years. This began as a hobby when he was younger, brought to his life by his father as he would use these stamps as a way to show the world to Andy. Andy kept these for many years and last year he decided to create a collection using these stamps. Because these stamps were limited in number, there’s virtually just one guitar for each country (with a few exceptions), making this collection a very special one.”
NORMAN BARROW, wife Amy and John Mynczak, president and CEO of NAMM with their special recognition award from the National Association of Music Merchants. (GP)
NATHAN BARROW, grandson of Norman designed the company’s QR code. (GP)
WINSTON EDGHILL designer of A&B’s 50th anniversary logo. (GP)
THE SPECIAL EDITION
Andy Mooney Stamps Telecaster electric guitar from the Fender company. (JJS)
A&B Music Supplies and its founder and Managing Director, Norman Barrow, have played a significant role in the development of Barbados’ music industry over the last 50 years.
He said, “In the early days of A&B, I had become a recording engineer at REC studios, and that was in the early 1970s when spouge music was very popular. I owe thanks to Chris Gibbs for allowing me to achieve this. Most of the recordings were done at REC. I worked along with Bunny Best from West Indies Records Ltd to record and produce the recordings of the artistes including the Draytons, Wendy Alleyne, Richard Stoute and many others.
“I also recorded and produced all the Sandpebbles and Sach Moore’s spouge recordings. We, the Sandpebbles, also produced several local bands and a St Lucian artiste named Patsy Cadet. All of these recordings were major hits in Barbados and the Caribbean. I eventually stopped playing music and went into A&B full time, but I kept my job as the engineer at REC because I had just got married, had a young family, and the business was still in its developmental stages. Later on at REC I also worked with calypsonians like Poonka and Classic and Adonijah, among others, and I assisted Nicholas Brancker with the engineering process as he produced his first album.”
A&B Music Supplies also went into record distribution and at one stage, was the local distributor for music by Trinidadian calypsonians such as the late Lord Kitchener and the Mighty Sparrow and many others.
The company has also been a major player in the Crop Over festival since its inception in 1974. “I remember speaking to Nigel Harper, who was in charge of the festival
at that time, and told him that it would be important to have proper sound systems in place to do the various shows properly. From the 1980s, A&B was responsible for recording all of the calypso tents for both radio and television, and these tent recordings became a catalyst for the development of Crop Over and the calypso art form in Barbados on the whole.” The company also sponsored the Junior Calypso Monarch competition for several years and also made significant contributions to the development of NIFCA
The company also pioneered live bands playing on the road and the large sound systems on music trucks which is common today.
Barrow also recalled a commendation the company received following the Caribbean Song Festival held in Barbados at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium from Trinidadian musician, Michael Boothman. “Boothman was quoted in an article in a Trinidadian newspaper titled, “Let’s learn from the Bajans” as saying that the stage, lighting and sound for that particular show was “impeccable” and perfectly timed with the satellite feed, since the show was going out to all of the participating islands at the same time, and described the sound as “among the best I have ever heard” when he travelled to different places.” (DH)
AT LEFT , N orman Barrow as a young musician in the Sandpebbles. Above, Norman at the mixing console. (GPs)
WITH MOM AND DAD who helped to get A&B Music Supplies established. (GP)
HARTLEY AND THE LATE Melia Peavey with Norman at Peavey’s 25th Anniversary in Meridian Mississippi. (GP)
THE SANDPEBBLES OF BARBADOS: the late Andy, Roger, Norman, David and John in foreground. (GP)
Always time for charity
Always time for charity
APART FROM THE assistance he has provided to musicians and other people involved in the music industry over the years, Norman Barrow has also been actively involved in philanthropic work.
“I have been a member of the Rotary Club for over 40 years, and for the last 29 years I have produced our major fundraising event, Carols by Candlelight, a Christmas show held at the Prime Minster’s official residence, Ilaro Court, which has received rave reviews over the years.
Fellow Rotarian, Past District Governor David Edwards, said, “Norman and I have worked together for over 40 years and Norman has worked in every event we have had
over those years. I know Norman also serves other causes, like supporting young and not-so-young artisets, and he is also involved with Verdun House, and many other philanthropic organisations.” The motto of Rotary is “service above self”, and Norman epitomises this in all the work he undertakes.”
In terms of Verdun House, one of Barbados’ drug rehabilitation centres, Norman was one of the founders of the Substance Abuse Foundation, which runs that facility as well as the more recently established Marina House, which caters to women.
Peter Boos, one of the members of that organisation, shared the following. “When the Substance Abuse Foundation first met, there were none of those types of facilities here in Barbados, so we were pioneers in establishing that.
Our first chairman was Harold Hoyte, who has unfortunately passed away.
“We, as a group, bought the property of the former Presentation College from the Catholic Church and started the process of establishing these rehabilitation facilities. Norman succeeded Harold when he retired as chairman, and I had succeeded Norman as well subsequently. So we have known each other a long time and I have always had a high regard for Norman.
“He is a man who cares; he put a lot of time and effort into the work of the Substance Abuse Foundation, always very generous with his time and perhaps, more importantly, with his sound equipment, which he always volunteered to provide whenever there was an event that needed that sort of support.” (DH)
NORMAN BARROW with wife Amy being installed as President of Rotary in 1997. (GP)
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, a major fundraising event has been produced by Norman Barrow for the last 29 years. (FP)
THE HOME PAGE of the A&B Music Supplies website, which was created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Website born out of pandemic
Website born out of pandemic
LIKE MANY OTHER businesses in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced A&B Music Supplies to change its business model, which, among other things, led to the creation of its website, www.abmusicsupplies.com
Founder and Managing Director Norman Barrow said, “The pandemic was a turning point in the history of the company because, like everyone else, we were faced with a crisis when everything shut down and faced possible extinction, but we rose to the challenge quickly and made some changes.
“First, we closed our Sheraton Centre branch. The thought then came to us that in order to survive, we needed to develop a website because lots of businesses were headed in that direction and online transactions were becoming more common during that time. I developed the website myself with the help of the software we use in our day-to-day operations. It took a year to put it all together.”
The website highlights all the products available in the store and their prices, and lets customers know whether the items are in stock or not, and speaks of the various departments of the company. It goes into the company’s history and highlights some of its accomplishments over the years. There is also a QR code potential customers can scan to gain access to it.
Meanwhile, visiting musicians and other people who may be travelling into Barbados can benefit from the fact that they can buy any musical instruments or accessories they may need from A & B Music Supplies duty-free.
Managing Director Norman Barrow stated that “For years we have done duty-free transactions, since we do a lot of business with Government agencies, hotels, schools and churches who receive duty-free concessions on the products we sell, but now we are on the in bond scheme where we can now sell to visitors over the counter.
“Therefore, musicians working on cruise ships who may need supplies and services, as well as other people visiting these shores can now come in and buy what they need at duty-free prices.” (DH)
GIVEN THE HIGH NUMBER of events
A&B Music Supplies has provided its services for over the last 50 years, many of the top entertainers and other celebrities from Barbados, the Caribbean and further afield would have experienced their high quality productions. Here is a selection of artistes the company has worked with through the years.
Alain Jean-Marie
Alicia Keys
Anita Baker
Arturo Tappin
Barrington Levy
Beach Boys
Beenie Man
Beres Hammond
Bill Clinton
Billy Graham Crusade
Boyz II Men
Boo Hinkson
Brian McKnight
Bryan Adams
Buju Banton
Cola
Cliff Richard
Englebert Humperdinck
Gumption Band
Hal Linton
Holders Opera Season
Hootie and the Blow Fish
Ja Rule
Jacksoul
Jann Arden
“Jesus Christ Superstar” Production
John Legend
Jose Felicano
Kassav
Kenny G
The late Kenny Rogers
Krosfyah
Lee Ritenour
The late Luther Vandross
Lionel Richie
Lorraine Klassen
Michael Bublé
Mighty Sparrow
Najee
Nelly Furtado
Nicholas Brancker
Patti LaBelle
People’s Cathedral
Philosopher Kings
Prince Edward
R Kelly
Red Plastic Bag
Regina Belle
Rihanna
Roberta Flack
Sanchez
Sean Paul
Sister Sledge
Spice & Co.
Splashband
Square One
Stanley Clarke
Steel Pulse
Square One
Tarrus Riley
The Caribbean Song Festival
The Commodores
The Late Lord Kitchener
The Late Ray Charles
The Mighty Sparrow
The Mighty Gabby
Third World
Machel Montano
The Manhattans
Maxi Priest
Marcus Miller
MC Hammer
Michael Bolton
Tiger Woods Wedding
Tom Joiner
The Wailers
UB40
Wyclef Jean
Numerous other international, local and Caribbean artistes.
Here a few of the reviews that the company has received over the years: ‘. . . you guys did a fantastic job on the Dominica Festival.’
– Darcy Khan, manager for Wyclef Jean Stage Audio Productions Inc.
‘Thank you so much for great coordination and equipment. The event was great fun and your contribution was without fault. We will be sure to recommend you to all our friends.’
–
Chris
‘...You guys did a great job....big thanks to Pat, Norman and Amy....The objective was fulfilled. Thank you again’
– Geoffrey, Coordinator of the Brian Lara Charity Event during Crop Over 2006.
‘…… the men that did the job so efficiently and professionally need to be highly commended. What a pleasure to work with the team. They were a wonderful blessing that allowed the programme to be the tremendous success that it was.’
– Rosemary – Living Water Community –Barbados Peter Ray Blood
‘....... Lovely, thank you. Great sound. You guys were amazing, professional and spot on.
– Vivvy - Soul Caribbean Music Festival
MIGHTY SPARROW (FP) RIHANNA (FP) ALICIA KEYS (FP)
ANTHONY ‘GABBY’ CARTER (FP)
A&B MUSIC SUPPLIES has produced, managed and provided technical services for a wide range of events, some of them highly significant, in Barbados and the Caribbean over the years. Here is a list of some of those activities.
BARBADOS
Cohobblopot – To date the most successful of these shows was when the company produced and managed it. The show holds the record for the largest attendance (25 000) for a show at the National Stadium.
Brian Lara Charity - The company produced and created the theme, managed and provided all of the technical services for his charity events at Ebworth Plantation. This included coordination and selection of the caterers.
Rotary Club – The company produces and manages the very successful ‘Carols by Candlelight’ event that is held at the Prime Minister’s residence every Christmas. This is the biggest Christmas family event and is the club’s biggest fundraising event. Produced their first virtual show in 2020.
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. – The company has coordinated and produced some of their events for a variety of different tourism-related activities.
Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association – Provides services for their major events.
Gospelfest – Provided technical services for this festival.
Holders Easter Season – Provided technical services for this very successful event until it was cancelled.
Rihanna Tribute – The company was responsible for all of the technical production services for this event, held in 2008 after Rihanna received her first Grammy Award
National Cultural Foundation – Provide technical services for the major Crop Over events and was responsible for developing the sound for this festival. In 2016, was responsible for providing services for the major events for the country’s 50th anniversary celebrations, including a mega concert which showcased the development of music over the 50 years.
Barbados Reggae Festival – Provided sound system services for many of these events.
Barbados Jazz Festival – Provided technical services at this event from its inception.
Government of Barbados – Provided technical services for many Government functions including visits of
dignitaries such as former US President Clinton, Queen Elizabeth II, former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and President Fidel Castro of Cuba. National Independence Parade, Governor General Awards.
ST LUCIA
Pope’s visit – The company was responsible for the entire technical production of the visit of Pope John Paul II. This is still one of the largest outdoor events to take place in that Island with great success.
St Lucia Jazz Festival – The company was responsible for the production of the ‘Jazz on the Square’ series for many years. It became one of the main attractions rivalling the main stage with the quality of the technical production. They also did the opening concert on a few occasions.
ST VINCENT
Blues Festival – The company was responsible for the production of the St Vincent Blues Festival and worked with the St Vincent Tourist Board on this event, which was a first for the Island.
DOMINICA
Creole Festival – For eight years the company worked with the Dominica Festivals Commission and was responsible for the production and management of this event and provided all the technical services, stage, lighting, sound and screens.
Carnival – Technical production and services were provided for this event as well.
ST KITTS
CARIFESTA – The company was responsible for providing production and technical services for many of the events for CARIFESTA
IN BARBADOS, the wider Caribbean region and beyond, A&B Music Supplies has provided quality sound for hundreds of events. At left, a massive crowd at Cohobblopot. (FPs)
Top class sound through the years
Top class sound through the years
