‘Jazz N Cabaret’ - A Pleasing Konversation in Ivory

Fans of Jazz n' Cabaret in the Gardens - a Feast for the Senses were once again treated to a premium performance on Sunday from established and up-and-coming vocalists and a pool of Jamaica's accomplished pianists.

The theme for the evening's concert, held in the gardens of The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, was 'Ivory in Konversation 2018', a point reinforced in the opening remarks by resident Emcee Michael Anthony Cuffe when he said keyboard would be the main feature. The anticipated featured act materialised in an abridged version of the finale and a taste of what could have been.

Pianists, Andrae Campbell, Ozou'ne, Dennis Rushton and Robbie Lyn were the conduits of the keyboards. Before they gave their riveting conclusion with Mercy, Mercy, each engaged his instrument in 'konversation' with others.

Lyn's keyboard had a conversation with Dean Fraser's saxophone, and among the topics was Tom Jones' hit Me and Mrs Jones. Lyn ended his set "doing something I don't normally do" - sing. He performed the song The Good You Do Live After You.

Dennis Rushton's anticipated display of mastery on the keyboard was shortened to a memorable conversation with his ivories and Carrialeisa Rushton's vocals. Aptly, they spoke of Fever. Ozou'ne, on the other hand, opted for a conversation with his vocals and his keyboard, while Campbell reflected with an original piece - Wiggle Bop for Andri. He was rewarded with a resounding vocal applause of "lovely!".

Songstress Gem Myers was the closing act for the night and as usual, she brought her A game. She was backed by her A band - Fab 5. It was a great performance all around. Myers paid tribute to Aretha Franklyn and Natalie Cole. Her customary high-quality performance was rewarded with a request or an encore. She showed her appreciation by singing One Man Woman, to the satisfaction of the audience.

But it was Ricardo Suave who was given the mantle to open the show. He did so with an energetic performance. He was followed by Courtni, who showed that she intends to blaze her own trail instead of following in the footsteps of mother,Karen Smith. Unlike her jazz singer mother - her set comprised mainly of reggae, including her original, That's My Type.

Uncharacteristically, the show went way beyond its scheduled end time, in spite of the absence of an intermission. Also, there was the unorthodox cameo appearance by Andrew Tosh, so when the pianist gathered for the finale, most of the audience had left.

Overall, the October show was worth experiencing. The final of the 2018 season will take place at the same venue on December 30, and the organisers promise "a great treat".