Cat Coore’s life a call to ‘selah’ – Rev Astor Carlyle

The thanksgiving service for Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was not sad, but there were tears. It was the first time that many could recall ever seeing Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange shed tears while giving a tribute, and legendary percussionist, Larry McDonald, told The Gleaner that he was glad that his shades blocked the tears that would otherwise have streamed straight down his face.

In her tribute at the University Chapel, where grieving family members sat at the front, and members of the entertainment fraternity showed up in their numbers, Minister Grange spoke of the greatness which defined Cat Coore, the musician and cultural ambassador who “leaves behind an eternal legacy in the heartbeat of reggae and the hearts of many he inspired”.

“It is with a spirit-filled profound gratitude that I join the nation and the global music fraternity in bidding farewell to one of Jamaica most distinguished sons, Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore. In every sense of the term, Cat was a unique talent, a ‘Reggae Ambassador’ who not only carried our music to the four corners of the world, but also elevated it with a level of musicianship, a classical elegance that was truly his own,” Grange said.

She recalled that when Bob Marley’s life was being celebrated at Reggae Sunsplash, Cat agreed that it would be a great experience for Third World to perform with Stevie Wonder onstage — and that was the start of a great relationship.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Cat Coore and Sly Dunbar, and it was very difficult for me to be here this morning to express how I feel. So, if I appear a little emotional, please forgive me. But Cat, you always gave me encouragement, and what was so beautiful about the relationship with Cat is that although the political divide existed, the politics did not impact our relationship,” Minister Grange said through tears.

Legendary Congo player and member of the Skatalites band, Larry McDonald told The Gleaner that he “had to be here for Stephen” and it was the same sentiment from singer Maxi Priest.

“He was one of the youngsters whose talents I kept an eye on ... from his short pants days when he was winning gold medals in competitions. Stephen left early. I say that, but did he really? When you say what yuh got to say, you sit down. Don’t you?” said McDonald, who, during his more than 60-year journey, has performed with artistes, such as Gil Scott-Heron and Taj Mahal.

“Stephen and I always found ourselves in different situations, I as the elder musician and he as the younger one; and he used to say to me, ‘Whatever happen is your fault because is you raise mi.’ It kinda tears me up to know that I’ll never hear that again. I’m sorry he’s gone, but as I said, when yuh dun talking yuh siddung and give somebody else a chance,” McDonald explained.

“But, on the other hand, I seh, ‘Damn, some people should be given a little more time’. I sat there this morning playing with the drummers, and I just lost it. And, at this moment as we speak, I’m still not past it. But they say that’s what old people do a lot, they cry,” added McDonald, who looks at least 10 years younger than his 88 years.

“The elders should not have had to bury their children ... but it’s cool. If he didn’t think that we who are here could handle it, he probably would have stayed a bit longer. Cause you know Cat. [He] can get things done ... he would have talked to somebody,” McDonald said, smiling as his mood lightened.

In a tribute read by his representative, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness noted that Cat Coore understood that “culture is not ornamental to nation building, it is fundamental”. Cat’s children spoke lovingly of their father; and his long-time friend, Colin Leslie, gave an inspiring eulogy.

Officiating minister, Captain Rev. Astor Carlyle, gave the kind of provocative and evocative message for which he is known. He focused on the word “selah” found in the Hebrew scripture 74 times and which means to “pause awhile and let it resonate in your spirit before you move on”. He noted that “selah embodies every note that we listen to from Cat Coore”.

“In the cacophony of this twittering world of timelines and bottomlines, we need to selah. Consider how orderly and peaceful our nation would be if we would only stop and think,” Carlyle said.

And while many were “selah-ing” his words, he injected another thought-provoking gem, questioning the contradiction of celebrating the freedom of musical expression while ignoring happenings on the world stage.

“Which musician will write a song for Cuba? For Haiti? For those whose rights are trampled upon?” the reverend asked, to resounding applause.

“Whether my kette drums come from Tower Hill, or my cello comes from Norbrook, or my piano comes from Jack’s Hill, we are not in competition because there’s a complementarity that raises our consciousness to guard each one’s humanity and save each one’s pride because we all belong to the same human orchestra,” Rev Carlyle declared passionately. “Cat Coore’s life is calling us in this world and in this nation to ‘selah’.”

Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore passed away on January 18. He was 69. He is survived by his wife Lisa, his children, Shiah, Kanna, Stephen and Ashley; his grandchildren; and extended family.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com