By Andrew Clunis, Freelance Writer
Hammond
IF EVER the term command performance were to be used appropriately, it would be to describe the presentation of Jamaica's premier balladeer Beres Hammond, when he performed at the Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, last Thursday.
The large opera house would have seen some of the greatest performers in the world. But, when its history is written, the exploits of Beres Hammond should be included.
The show was sold out. Tickets which went at the top end for US$60 on the legitimate market, were sold outside the venue for over US$100. People bought them and still the authorities had to turn back scores of persons, who waited in the cold outside, hoping to find a way of getting inside. For over two hours Beres delivered an amazing string of hits. When he had exploited his own choices, he asked the audience for their suggestions and he went through his repertoire to his audience's delight. Even so, he did not offer any of his old material. And, when the authorities declared that the time had expired, Beres was unhappy.
"Boy I feel like singing tonight. Can't I just be given some more time? I want to sing for these people," he said.
The event was dubbed 'Beres Hammond And Friends'. However, Shaggy, who was advertised to be on the show, was absent because of another engagement.
Maxi Priest gave a sparkling performance. The crowd kept begging for more and after he had done four songs, decided that was enough, the women were left drooling. Priest's deliveries included Wild World, A Little Bit Longer, an inspirational song called God Watches Over Us and he teamed with Red Fox to deliver House Call which was made popular by Shabba Ranks and himself. Maxi Priest was urged on from backstage by Beres Hammond who soon resumed his act.
"I'm gonna remember tonight for a very long time," said Hammond. With that he launched into Tempted To Touch and followed up with a very graphic introduction to Double Trouble.
The three-tiered opera house was packed to capacity. The ceiling rises well over 100 feet in height and features an artist's impression of angelic musical performances.
Things just kept getting better throughout the night. As Beres sang the latest single, Dance For Me, from his new album Music Is Life, Wyclef Jean walked onto the stage and the Hammerstein erupted. He performed the song with Beres and then did some free-styling, displaying his remarkable creativity, deejaying in Spanish and Japanese. Wyclef then took the guitar from the band member and played some lively riffs, including some Jamaican melodies.
Beres had the crowd in stitches as he told a tale of his early desire to be like Alton Ellis, performing on stage in a big-sleeved, shiny shirt. He said, by the time he was able to, that style of shirt had gone out of style, but Alton Ellis' impact on his musical career continues even today.
He then sang a few numbers from some of the artistes whom he grew up listening to. These included Otis Redding's Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay and Alton Ellis' Ain't That Loving You. He then launched into his current hit Rock Away and had patrons in a frenzy by the close of his act.
Other performers included Ginger, a young singer produced by Hammond and the Harmony House Singers Nikki Tucker and Dorett Wisdom.
File
