How ironic that at a live show billed as Gospel n Jazz, the night's two highlights at the Jamaica Pegasus lawn, came from performances of secular tunes, albeit one with an inspirational, even comforting message.
Winsome Benjamin, known for infusing her performances with a wistful, unforced sensuality, hit just the right tone on the late Donny Hathaway's near-perfect declaration of loyalty, "You Got A Friend" delivering the soulfulness that's made the original a beloved modern classic. Benjamin also delivered another inspirational tune, "Quiet Beatle" George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" (originally conceived as a tribute to Krishna of the Hindus). she also left room for unabashed romance in the form of "(I Love You for ) Sentimental Reasons" popularized first by Nat King Cole and later by Sam Cooke.
A little bit earlier, returning after her creditable opening stint, VIP (Visually Impaired Professional), the irrepressible Kimielia "Candy" Isaacs offered a mild surprise by throwing in a high-spirited reading of an Ella Fitzgerald gem, "Mr Paganini" (a reference to the legendary classical violinist-composer, rumoured to have 'sold his soul to the Devil' in exchange for his prodigious musical gifts). As it did for Ella, the song provided a perfect platform for some first-class scatting and other vocalese, and Candy did not disappoint.
Apart from these, a brief but pleasantly bombastic intervention for Dennis Rushton on keyboards, and a suitably stirring version of "Wade in the Water" there was little about this particular edition of the long-running concert series, recently revived, that could be marked as special. The selections were good and the vocals solid but felt as if they were delivered by rote. Further, deviating from the familiar format of the programme, Candy, aided by fellow gospel vocalist Vennica, went ofr the approach of a show being presented " from home" with musical guests, such as Dennis Rushton, closing act Jabez and the aforementioned Benjamin, taking the stage after simulated knocks and inquiries from the hostesses, never mind that all was in full view of the audience. it got tiresome after a while and the audience, while helpful when asked, never seemed like being totally won over.
Expectation therefore, is justifiably high for the next outing in the series, scheduled for November. Dubbed "Jazz Divas II" hopefully it will eclipse the mark set not only the previous one, but by this unfortunate direct predecessor.
This column doesn't normally do this, but thanks are due to the teams from OJay Koolers and to Kirk Distributors (for the Voortman cookie brand and Splenda sweetener) for being exemplary hosts.
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