By Daviot Kelly, Staff ReporterIT CANNOT be overstated that good things come to those who wait. As raindrops plummeted toward earth, the launch of the duet CD Testament by Ernie Ranglin and Pam Hall seemed in jeopardy. Slated for 'Up on the Roof' restaurant on Knutsford Boulevard, there was little space to hide from the elements. But guests hung around, tolerating the increasingly cramped shaded area and the media people trying to set up their equipment again.
To keep the audience entertained, Marjorie Whylie produced a little finger magic; plunking out a few tunes on her keyboard. Feeling the musical vibe, the grand master of guitarship started strumming a few notes himself. Members of the audience bobbed their heads and snapped fingers to the impromptu performance.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Finally, the album's producer Jeff Cobham got things under way. Desi Young, president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians, acknowledged the achievements of both Ranglin and Hall, lauding them for always striving for perfection. He called for an aggressive marketing campaign to ensure the CD does well.
So which lucky Jamaican had the privilege to launch this
masterpiece? Not because he's Prime Minister but The Most Hon. P.J. Patterson was anointed to do the honours. A rabid music addict, the PM showed his prowess in musical history, detailing some of the past exploits of both artistes. He did so comically, at times
mercilessly poking fun at his colleagues.
Prime Minister Patterson revealed that the rain delay only gave him more time to listen to the advanced copy of the CD he had. He opined it was truly a duet; neither artiste competing with the other. So with the speeches aside, the dynamic duo got to work and performed four songs from the CD that had the older folks in the gathering reminiscing. They sang along quietly, clearly appreciating the duo's take on the hits.
Fans rushed to get copies which we guarantee will be
listened to over and over.
