Another delightful evening unfolded at the Jazz in the Gardens and Cabaret, held on Sunday, April 21, 2024, the second instalment in the quarterly series at Kingston's prestigious Pegasus Hotel.
Verlando Small. Remember that name because you will be hearing and seeing so much more from him.
Without a doubt, Verlando's saxophone mastery was a highlight of the evening, surpassing other renowned saxophonists who have long dominated the saxophone music scene.
At last night’s show, Verlando's performance captivated music lovers. Producer Ken Nelson's introduction of this rising talent sparked an outpouring of applause and demand for encores. Verlando's charisma and skill made each woman in the audience feel as though every note from his horn was meant for her. His repertoire, features hits from the 90s like “I Will Always Love You” and “Saving All
My Love for You,” along with reggae classics like Ken Boothe’s “Everything I Own,” delighted the predominantly female audience.
Jamaican women, known for their love of romantic ballads, were especially enthralled by Verlando's performance. His ability to evoke emotion through music left a lasting impression, signalling his potential for international success. Verlando's victory in the Digicel Rising Star competition in 2013 was just the beginning of what he promised to be a remarkable music career. His prediction of becoming synonymous with saxophone excellence seems well on its way to fruition.
Earlier, young Marlyn Dillon took us on a journey through jazz history with her soulful renditions of Nancy Wilson's timeless classics, while Ruddy Bee transported us to a bygone era with his velvety vocals .. a voice most would be familiar with through Jamaica's hotel circuits.
Courtni, daughter of the late singer Karen Smith, delivered a heartfelt performance, paying homage to her mother's legacy as she tries to carve her own path in the music industry. As the evening progressed, Althea Hewitt, graced the stage with elegance and style, her attire reflecting her status as a seasoned performer. In contrast, Courtni, showed potential as a vocalist but would benefit from the guidance of a wardrobe mistress to enhance her stage presence and performance.
Althea Hewitt's opening act done off stage saw her presenting a gospel favourite,” Sing to the goodness of God” by Cece Winans. An excellent opening selection which had her harmonising backup singers taking us to church in the Gardens of the Pegasus. Hewitt could not end her performance without giving us a taste of her favourite, singer Anita Baker’s “No One in the World “.
Gem Myers, backed by the Fab Five band, was the true star of the evening. With her timeless classics and sultry moves, Gem enraptured the audience, transporting us back to the golden era of music from the Pointer Sisters. "Fire" to Delroy Wilson's "Ever Since You Went Away," Gem's performance confirmed her enduring talent, her vast knowledge of the music throughout the years and her timeless elegance.
Gem is long overdue for the real deserving big break after decades on the local and international scenes She gave a naughty glimpse of how couples used to enjoy music and dancing back in the day. “When it comes to love, women want a man with a slow hand”, she reiterated, with moves to match and the women went wild with shouts of approval.
Gem doesn't seem to be ageing and her elegance and tasteful attire place her a cut above the rest and way out of league with today’s younger generation in the business.
Jazz in the Garden has been one of the longest and most successful live concerts of its time. Thanks to Executive Producer Nancy McLean's vision with Ken Nelson as Producer/Coordinator. Youlanda Nunez later joined as Executive Producer.
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| Gem Myers |
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| Gem Myers |
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| Lois Grant and Gem Myers |
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| Althea |
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| Fab 5 and Dahlia taking a break |
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| Verlando Serenades show producer and former producer for the Tastee Talent Competition Lois Grant. |
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| Verlando |
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| Courtni |
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| RuddyBee |
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| Maylyn Dillon |
Contributor:
Lois Grant
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Jazz in the Gardens is a cut above the rest. The experience from you step in shows class.
ReplyDeleteGreat article and accompanying pictures. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteFor such lovely event, this article is pretty lackluster
ReplyDeleteWhat’s crazy is how you highlighted Althea’s attire just to spew hatred to Courtni’s attire when they were in similar dresses. Althea’s split was so high that you could see her underwear but Courtni’s dress is where an issue was found? If you are fatphobic, please keep those comments to yourself as no one wishes to see them. Could’ve commented on her absolutely great performance and kept it pushing. Worthless read, worthless author.
ReplyDeleteI must cut in here. Althea is not only a Singer, she's a Recording Artist, Actress, Songwriter, Music Producer amd so much more....but she is also a model and very intelligent. She is just a creative Artist expressing her art. Being at the event no one saw her underwear...that is a fact. Stop making a fuss. Courtni has a beautiful voice but her choice of wear should have been much better. It's show business!
DeleteI had the pleasure of attending the Jazz in the Gardens event and was thoroughly entertained. I thought the stage was very fitting, providing an intimate experience and unique ambience, while elevating the island's talent. Unfortunately, the event was featured in a lacklustre and creatively deficient blog post by Vernon, who claims to be an experienced host and encourages people to "Read and get my perspective about what's happening." However, whatever is happening needs to be far, far away from Vernon's perception. He only perceives his environment through dull, lifeless eyes and expresses himself through vile views, which have no inherent value to wider society. As a well-read man, it would do Vernon well to read the room.
ReplyDeleteThanks for crediting me for writing the article. I did not know I had such excellent writing skills :)
DeleteIt is rather unfortunate how you tried to inject your fat phobia in an article that initially gave the impression that it was honest and objective. Poor journalism when you use your platform to undermine a young woman’s attire simply for the reason that it did not suit you. Some comments say more about the author than the intended target and this is one of them. It would be in decent taste to remove the article altogether or at the very least, edit it. Shame on you.
ReplyDeleteI wish I was the author because it would mean that I am an accomplished writer. If you talked to the writer she would tell you that the word is not fatphobia but obesesophobia. Yes I suffer from obeseophobia. Being overweight nearly cost me my life:)
DeleteLois Grant has vast experience in journalism and show business. Many international artists have passed through her hands. Her opinions should be taken seriously. Young people need to learn from others with knowledge and experience. Show business is about pleasing your audiences.
ReplyDeleteAfter the show, I spoke with people who concurred with the points made by Lois. The beautiful thing about Courtni is that I gave her feedback right after the show and she was very gracious. Constructive criticisms are meant to help others. Many of us have been close to Courtni's family for a long time therefore we want to see her excel. If she does not grow then her career will be shortlived. Show business is very competitive.
The best-cooked meal will be a turn-off if the presentation is poor!
This is from someone who has been in the business of entertainment and broadcasting for over 50 years locally and internationally.
Let me add my voice to the comments above and as someone who attended the show. I think the writer was very kind to Courtni. But I will say my piece. Courtni shows potential but to be honest she has a long way to go. I witnessed something that may drive me from this forum but I'm going to say it anyway. In this time when diseases of all nature are jumping out from nowhere, why did Courtni put the tissue she wiped her face with on the ground and then take it up to use when the heat struck and sweat overcame her? She did it several times.I have never seen this before.OMG..stage manager where were you? Who provides advice on her attire? She is a very full figure fluffy young lady.In fact fluffy is too mild a word and that outfit she wore was most inappropriate.It did nothing for her. What made it more uncomplimentary is that Althea Hewitt came on stage in a very similar outfit and boy was she cutting it.Maybe too hot but the men were salivating I can tell.I don't expect Courtni to belive she will get through by using her mother, Karen Smith as the diving board to jump from. It's not going to work my girl. You have to shine from your own light. We Jamaicans are very hard in our judgement and I say the writer was very kind to you as I am sure she saw the unspeakable act.
ReplyDeleteI saw the tissue being used from off the floor of the stage and my mouth fell open. So it's not a made up story.But take time with her. She is still young in the business and has a long way to go. She will learn that good hygiene is something that should have been taught at home.
ReplyDeleteI looked at this post again and laughed when I saw the comments. You do not help an artiste by abusing those who review a show done by the artiste. First, some people read without understanding. Vernon Derby is not the author of the post. The author is one of the best in Jamaica whose last job was Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister. Lois Grant the author, has discovered numerous artistes, who have moved on to become international stars. Yellow Man, Beenie Man, Nadine Sutherland and others. She produced the Tastee Talent Show for thirty years. She has now passed on.
ReplyDeleteIt will not be easy to find another person in Jamaica with experience in the entertainment business to review shows professionally. When she gives you a pass, you are ready for the world. Oonu humble oonuself and learn from those who have accomplished a lot for the industry.