Three Amigos

Fate placed the three of them at The Lodge School in 1979. Anderson Blood Armstrong, George Jones and Terry Mexican Arthur would actually meet each other a year later through a drive by Mac Fingall for the start of their destiny. The trials of school, the end of almost two decades of working with a top band, and more recently George’s illness have not torn their bond of over 30 years asunder. Mexican will be the first to tell you that he and the other two were not the most diligent of students, but each of them continues to hold fast to the motto of their alma mater: They Can Because They Think They Can.

There is an unshakable loyalty and friendship among the three that they say run deeper than the music, and bridge any distance that circumstances and geography might throw up. Blood and George found themselves in the same class at third form level and they would meet up with Mexican in the music room at every available opportunity to practise on the various instruments, and the only thing they have lived to regret was not taking their Spanish classes. They all smiled fondly as they recalled that prediction from the Spanish teacher. “The music was the common denominator, the gel. I guess over time it would evolve into what it is now,” George explained.

“I remember the three of us – just as we’re here – used to sit at the piano. I play bass, sometimes George, Andy hold the chords, or we would interchange,” Mexican said, with nods of approval from the other two. “One big piano,” Blood interjected. They would soon form a band that would play for concerts at school. Mexican hit the seas shortly after school as a musician and Blood got involved in Gabby’s First-Timers tent and later the Richard Stoute Teen Talent competition, joined the Untouchables Tent and did some overseas tours.

While Blood was pursuing his solo career, George was approached by the Country Theatre Workshop to perform at the Christmas concert and he looked to his buddy Blood. Blood brought in Paul Slater and his old St Giles’ schoolmate Cecil Oshaka Riley, who were both involved in Richard Stoute. That was the beginning of Square One and they would be joined by Alison Hinds and Winston Beckles a little later. Mexican heard the band at the Steel Shed on a trip home from the ship and without checking with the guys, he sounded his intention to quit after the six-month tour to join.

Source: www.nationnews.com