ANY?DOUBT that Caribbean musicians are on par and in some cases better than some of their international counterparts were thrown out to sea when the curtain came down on the inaugural Jazz’N Barbados show featuring all Caribbean performers last Sunday night in the cozy settings of Second Street in Holetown.
For over five and a half hours, scores of music lovers packed the popular entertainment venue, mesmerized by the performances of our local and Caribbean world-class artistes. As is the norm, the show eventually got on the way after a number of soundcheck problems. This, however, did not hamper the performance of Malcolm Griffith & Friends who opened the show and whose offerings set the tone for the remainder of the night.
The group opened with three Roy Hargrove selections: Nothing Serious, followed by Salima’s Dance and Books Bossa. Griffith ended with a vocal offering of I’m Glad There’s You, made popular by Jimmy Dorsey.
Next on stage were veteran entertainer Rickey Aimey and his three-piece band. The trio proceeded to take the event to another level with their unique style of delivery.
Aimey was oozing with confidence as he delivered My Favourite Things, followed by Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, which had the crowd swaying.
The entrance of David “Ziggy” Walcott one of the best, if not the best, steel pan player on the island, was met by screams of approval from both locals and visitors. He did not disappoint.
Songs like Never Too Much by George Benson and Through The Fire soon had everyone in a dancing mood. Following would be David Rudder’s Bahia Girl, and a Mighty Sparrow medley that included The Lizard, Melda, Drunk And Disorderly, Jean And Dinah and Big Bamboo.
Walcott would eventually rock the street with Rihanna’s current No. 1 selection Only Girl In The World.
There are no more adjectives that can aptly describe Arturo Tappin’s musical genius. Badd by Michael Jackson, Independent by Neo, Green Light by John Lennon and Roll by Alison Hinds were among his servings in a most spectacular performance.
The show ended with the Cuban group Ernest Salsa playing salsa pieces and demonstrating the dance steps.
It was fantastic.
There can be no doubt that with the successful (last-minute) staging of Jazz’N Barbados, it is destined to become a permanent fixture on the Barbadian entertainment calendar.
