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Stabroek News

A Musical Bond
published: Sunday | February 17, 2008

Misha Lobban, Contributor


Karen Smith - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Hold a true friend in both your hands. (Nigerian Proverb)

It is said that a friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words. It was musical chords that brought together and forged the bond of friendship between well-known cabaret performer Karen Smith and musical genius Jon Williams.

Karen Smith is highly regarded as one of Jamaica's most talented and popular cabaret performers. In 2006, she was awarded the national honour - Order of Distinction - for her memorable performances as a singer.

Jon Williams is well known for composing and playing jazz with a Jamaican flavour. He and his band of talented musicians have shared centre stage with many great gospel and jazz performers, including Karen Smith. Through the eyes of Jon, we saw another side of one who is considered a diva in her own right on Jamaica's entertainment scene - Karen Smith.

How did you meet Karen Smith?

I met Karen in 1988 when we worked together on the Mutual Life Jazz sessions. When we first met it was as if we knew each other years before. We just connected.

How long have you been friends?

We have remained friends since 1988. In addition to the Mutual Life Jazz sessions, we have performed together at many events locally, including Pegasus Jazz in the Garden, Jazz on the Green (hosted by the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston) as well as jazz shows in the United States.

Tell us what you admire most about Karen, and why you think you have remained friends all these years.

I admire her candidness, her willingness to work, the fact that she is very professional, her honest and deep desire to always do what is right.

Share with us one of the happiest moments you have had with her.

The happier moments I have had with her are primarily during performances. When we do well at performances, experiencing the shared joy of a job well done and also sharing the foul-ups and blunders ... these are the times I would say are the happier moments we have had.

Tell us the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Karen.

A really nice person because she is someone who is so easy to talk to.

What are her favourite food, favourite music and favourite sport?

She loves omelettes.

Her favourite music is jazz standards (especially Ella Fitzgerald).

She enjoys watching tennis, especially the Williams sisters (Venus and Serena).

Tell us the colour you best associate her with:

Yellow - signifying someone you'll never forget

Orange - signifying someone you consider your true friend

Red - signifying someone you really love

Green - signifying someone you'll remember for the rest of your life

Yellow.


Smith


Jon and Karen- Contributed

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