Jazz in the rain PDF Print E-mail
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Tuesday, 03 November 2009 14:58
Published: Thursday | October 29, 2009 Tennesia Malcolm, Gleaner Writer Pam Hall serenades the patrons at Jazz in the Gardens a Tribute to our Musical Heroes, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Sunday, October 25. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer What could be better than a jazz-filled Sunday evening under the open skies? Simply nothing. And so true did those who turned out to Jazz in the Gardens at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel hold to this mantra that not even the rain could dampen their jazz-hungry spirits. The Pegasus' Nancy McLean declared at the start, "Rain or shine, we're always here" and the audience took note, reluctantly allowing Pam Hall to take cover from the drops which came pouring down with short notice. Hall was in the middle of a brilliant set which the audience just was not willing to let go. The sultry singer hit the stage once more but the rain would have none of it and, pretty soon, her exit became final. But there was a lot more to come and certainly a lot had gone on before. Strong vocal talent In an evening dubbed 'Tribute to Musical Heroes', those who have yet to make a name for themselves showed their mettle in fine style. Newcomers Tracy-Ann Brown and Kiznet 'Kizzy' Cooper represented well, displaying strong vocal talent and fair stage presence. But of the young talent, the night belonged to Cleveland 'O.J. Deru' Cathnott who had the audience engaged from the moment he set foot onstage. The vocalist, who got his start with the University Singers, had his captives floating with his rendition of John Legend's Get Lifted and kept them elevated as he performed his own cover of Lyfe Jennings' Must Be Nice, all the time ably assisted by Rudolph 'Rudy' Tomlinson who provided backing vocals for an all-the-more infectious sound. When 'O.J. Deru' was done, it was hard to decide who had had more fun - the audience or the performer himself who convinced all of his obvious love for performing. Not to be outdone though was saxophonist Tony Greene who showed why he has 10 albums under his belt. Greene's knowledge of the genre flowed as freely from his tongue as from his instrument and his tribute to a fallen legend, his mentor Sonny Bradshaw, was rendered even more special for it. Greene's performance, along with those that came before, reinforced that though there were no visible stars in the sky, there were lots to choose from in the gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus. The soft wind blowing throughout each set heralded nature's approval. Language of love The bands showcased why jazz places equal emphasis on both instruments and vocals. Harold Davis and Friends opened the show, commanding their instruments to speak to the audience in a language of love for music, for interaction and for good times. This concept of love, according to MC Michael Anthony Cuff was the foundation upon which the Jazz in the Gardens series was built. Final band The final band to hit the stage was Melvin Williams and the Rhythm Construction .. The musicians proved why their first appearance on the show was nothing if not well advised. With leader Williams on vibraphone, a little-played instrument, the band delivered a highly interactive set to the delight of the audience. Peter Brown on bass guitar, Kurt Bennett on drums, Rick Blackwood on keyboard and David Cunningham on saxophone performed hits such as Etta James' At Last, Morning Ride and a Kenny G classic on which long-winded Cunningham took the lead. The bandleader gave an eerie performance of Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World which had the audience marvelling at the similarity in vocals. And even when the clock struck 10 p.m., one full hour after the scheduled close, the audience was still begging for more.
 

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