A BOOMBASTIC man rocked Pigeon Island last Sunday and most would agree it was fantastic.Headliner Shaggy took to the main stage at the 19th St Lucia Jazz Festival around 11:45 p.m. and it was a musical cruise on the beachfront venue for the next hour or so.Fresh from a tour of Portugal, Shaggy teased with his suggestive movements, sweet talk and hits from through the years, along with some covers in between.With the assistance of Rayvon, the Jamaican-born artiste showed how a party was done in New York, Jamaica and St Lucia. For the last, the band played some soca rhythms.Shaggy sang hits such as Bona Fide Girl, a snippet of Oh Carolina, Angel, Strength Of A Woman, Summertime and It Wasn’t Me, during which he offered some advice to all the players on Pigeon Island. By the time Shaggy took to the stage, fans were ready for some real action thanks to stimulating earlier performances from Dobet Gnahore of the Congo, the tremendously talented Esparanza Spalding and the “Men of Soul” in particular.Gnahore was a photographer’s delight and an engaging performer to watch. The Grammy winner for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her song Pearl, was full of expression and passion as she tantalised her audience with rhythms that touched the very root of the soul. Singing in her native French, she captivated with her commanding presence, sexy accent and antics.A tiny, 25-year-old American singer with two bass guitars bridged the gap between Gnahore and Men of Soul. Esperanza Spalding was refreshing with her original jazz compositions and she showcased her tremendous talent on vocals and bass. She has a sweet tone and impressed with her original pieces.She was joined by singer Tracey Hamblin and they made some captivating harmonies.Phil Perry, Howard Hewitt, Freddie Jackson and Jeffrey Osbourne who call themselves the Men of Soul serenaded patrons with love songs from way back.All the soul men added their special touch to Osbourne’s “woo woo woo” but it was St Lucia’s Teddyson John that put an indelible stamp on it – with a Caribbean remix.Maxi Priest, who was in Barbados a few weeks ago for Reggae On The Hill, preceded Shaggy and delivered a similar set to what Bajan fans heard. He was again joined by his son Marvin and Beniton The Menace.British Virgin Island native Quito and The Edge did well to open the show and they were followed by Carl Gustave, who is of St Lucian descent.
