INTERMITTENT SHOWERS did not dampen the spirits of jazz aficionados, who turned out in large numbers to celebrate Black History Month, at the East Lawn of Devon House, Hope Road on Friday night.
The programme which was one in the series of events planned by the Embassy of the United States of America to highlight African American History Month, attracted a large turn-out and also performances of very high standards.
The ambience was enhanced by the lush tall tropical trees, which in areas formed a canopy and backdrop for the elegantly positioned stage. It was a rather magical setting, which gave patrons a chance to meet and greet friends, who were mostly attired in after work clothes.
It was an evening of traditional and contemporary jazz, with soulful nostalgic singing. Light and airy music was provided by the Big Band directed by Sonny Bradshaw, along with the beautiful solo singing by Myrna Hague. The band gave a good mix of jazz rhythms and explored the world of experimental music and demonstrated unique instrumentation, although, at times there were intonation problems.
Of particular interest was Myrna's performance of St. Louis Blues, which was a tribute to the late J.J. Johnson, jazzist.
The toast of the night, according to a member of the audience, Barry Williams, was the warm velvet voice of Deborah Davis of Texas, who is also an actress and dancer. "It was just fantastic". He said. According to him, Miss Davis is a consummate performer, who is quite knowledgeable of the various jazz idioms, "even the reggae she performed", he explained. Deborah communicated well with the audience and the audience remained for every last drop of her performance. "It was a very enlightened presentation", Mr. Williams said.
Maurice Gordon and his Quartet also performed well. The Stella Maris dancers also gave a spirited dance presentation. There was too the usual high-energy performance by the Kingston Drummers.
J. Michael Korff-Rodriques, counselor for Public Affairs at the American Embassy gave the welcome address; and the President of the United States, George Bush's Proclamation for Black History Month was read by Richard Smyth, minister - counselor/deputy chief of mission, American Embassy.
-Justin Whyte
