Michael Boothman
Michael Boothman is a pioneering Trinidadian guitarist, singer, composer, and bandleader known for blending jazz, fusion, and Caribbean sounds. Hailing from an artistic family in Trinidad and Tobago, he began piano lessons at age five, self-taught guitar and other instruments, and formed his first band, The Rockerfellas (later Rockefellas), at age 14 in the 1960s.
Boothman started with The Rockerfellas, experimenting with rock and evolving sounds during the 1960s. He became a key figure in Caribbean jazz, leading groups like the KYSOFusion Band and shaping the region's fusion scene through innovation and performance.
His career spans over 50 years as a performer, arranger, and recording artist, with standout releases like the 1977 album Heaven on Tabu Records (noted in some U.S.-linked profiles, though primarily Trinidad-based). Described as the "personification of excellence" in Trinidad and Tobago arts, he influenced jazz fusion profoundly.
Boothman continues performing and recording, with recent nods in 2025 media highlighting his self-taught versatility and family influences. His work grew from local bands to international acclaim in Caribbean music.
Heaven
A2 Greasy 5:11
A3 Saying It With Music 5:34
A4 Song For My Soul 4:56
B1 Scorpio Stew 4:13
B2 Maya Mosquito 3:49
B3 Diego Shuffle 4:20
B4 Heaven Prelude 3:35
Label: Tabu Records – BQL1-1996
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Jazz Soul
Style: Caribbean Jazz-Funk
Michael Boothman's Heaven album is a highly sought-after Caribbean jazz-funk record that fuses elements of soul, funk, jazz, gospel, disco, and pop. Known for its sophisticated arrangements and tropical feel, the album has become a collector's item among vinyl enthusiasts.
The album is a pioneering example of Caribbean jazz fusion, blending American soul and jazz styles with influences from calypso and soca, indigenous music of Trinidad and Tobago.
It features soaring guitar work from Boothman, complemented by lush arrangements from keyboardist Leon Pendarvis that incorporate strings and distinctive, sweetly scatting wordless background vocals by singers including Lou Courtney, Edna Holt, and Lani Groves.
Recorded live at RCA Studios in New York, the executive production by Clarence Avant retains an authentic 1970s sound.
Standout tracks that exemplify the album's unique sound include the title track "Heaven", "Saying It With Music", and "Diego Shuffle".
The album is credited with helping to broaden perceptions of Caribbean music and place Caribbean Jazz proudly on the map. A remastered version was released on streaming platforms in 2022, 45 years after its original vinyl release.