New York, U.S.A. - Jathniel Thomas (Jackspania), a multi-talented musician, was born in the island of Trinidad in the village of Arouca. He first started playing the guitar at the age of ten and eventually learned other instruments including: Bass, Keyboard, Drums, Percussions and steel pan. Thomas aka “Jato” was the leader of several bands over the years, including the Fabulous Deltones, and the Hi-Lights in Trinidad as well as several bands in the USA. He also backed many well-known artists including Mighty Sparrow, Mighty Duke and Lord Nelson.
He lived in Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A. for several years, where his contribution to steel pan music was greatly recognized by institutions such as The Jackie Robinson Center, Police Athletic League and Wingate High School; Thomas was very instrumental in teaching and developing steel bands and spreading the culture of Trinidad and Tobago via these organizations.
Thomas had also been the president of Moonstone productions and Japat Music School & Recording Studio, where he partnered with Cheryl Vincent, a vocalist, registered nurse, and who was also his background singer.
Himself a vocalist, composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, engineer and music teacher, the quest of Thomas (Jackspania) was to create music that was internationally appealing both in lyrical content and musicianship.
In recent years, he released several songs for the upcoming Panorama seasons. We Come Out To Play, Pan Man and Dancing To The Pan all flowed from his pen back in 2014. In 2015, Thomas had three tracks in the musical mix: Pan Is Meh High, Pan Warriors and The Pan Tones Ring. And for the 2016 Panorama season, he returned with PanDora.
Information available says Jathniel “Jackspania” Thomas passed away November 15, 2016.
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My condolences to the Thomas family. R.I.P Brother
A great loss. May he rest in peace knowing that he made a huge contribution
George Victory and now Jato, these two guys made Five Rivers/Arouca proud from the mid sixties,they were followed by Jit into the top ranks of the TT music scene.All great human beings,willing to share with their counterparts.I missed Jato's great fry chicken,which he would steam before frying. Those were some great days on Thomas Trace.
Could hear them now,George wailing on guitar,Jato scrawling on his Fafisa organ with Leslie speaker amplifier,and Jit extemporizing on tenor pan.......that music sweet.
My sincere condolences goes out the family of mr "JathnielThomas",dead and gone but not forgotten.
Yeah Jato was like family to me and lots of others in New York City. I'm still in shock! He seem to be strong and very Healthy as far as I heard from people who spoke to him days before he passed away. But we never know what God has in mind!
Peace and Love to You and Your Family Jato-You will be missed!
My condolences to the family of Jathniel Thomas.
Condolences to Mr Thomas family.