American blues singer, Francine Reed, delivered an riveting
performance.THE CONCERT was called 'Blues on the Green', but no one was feeling blue that night.
The Embassy of the United States of America gave Jamaicans a treat last Friday, February 24, when they staged a Jazz and Blues show on the East Lawn of Devon House, in celebration of Black History Month.
The night featured performances by several acclaimed Jamaican musicians and a special performance by American Blues singer Francine Reed. Sonny Bradshaw and the Jamaica Big Band were first up and started their set with a rendition of Billy Strayhorn's Take the A-train. They also performed Bob Marley's Small Axe. 'Jamaica's first lady of Jazz', Myrna Hague, soon stepped up and performed a number of songs by musicians she described as "great black composers". Her first song was Dance With My Father, originally done by the late Luther Vandross. She also got the audience to sing along with That's Life, one of Frank Sinatra's most popular hits.
30-MINUTE INTERMISSION
Following her performance, there was a 30-minute intermission which guests used to visit the numerous sponsors' booths strewn across the venue. They were treated to samples and information regarding products and service.
The show resumed with the Maurice Gordon Group and they delivered a 'groovy' performance. Their set was very energetic, and they won the hearts of the audience as they performed classics like Thelonius Monk's Roun' Midnight. The group then backed the featured
performer.
Mrs. Reed seemed to have a blast while performing for the Jamaican crowd as she engaged the audience in conversation and professed her new-found love for the island. It was her first visit, she says, and affirmed, "I will be coming back!"
SLEW OF BLUES FAVOURITES
"Thank you so much for inviting me here to be a part of your outstanding celebration of Black History Month, and to work with your outstanding musicians," she said earnestly. She wowed the audience over and over as she belted out a slew of blues favourites. A few guests were even brought to tears as the sang the late Ray Charles' Georgia, and soon got to dancing when she sang Lyle Lovett's Wild Women Don't Get The Blues.
When she finished, the audience didn't have enough of her, and she obliged by returning to give a few more songs including, Been There, Done That and I'm A Handful. At one point MC Fae Ellington gave Reed a dance lesson which delighted the audience.
