Nadine Sutherland delivers at Coral Cliff
Published:Friday | July 21, 2023 | 12:10 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Montegonians waited two weeks for the indomitable and supertalented Nadine Sutherland, and the packed car park adjoining the Coral Cliff on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard was an indication that this was serious business.
Sutherland delivered a scintillating performance Sunday night, signalling a newness, a rebirth of sorts, on the Jamaican entertainment scene.
At times when she ‘Unplugged’ at the Coral Cliff Gaming and Entertainment musical series, her national anthem, Action (Not a Bag a Mouth), spoke for her.
Dressed in white stylish sneakers complementing a body-hugging jumpsuit, although unable to jump much on the stage due to an foot injury, there was no short-changing the audience that came out hungry for great entertainment.
The Jamaican songstress easily quenched their thirst, ensuring that they forgot she was two weeks late. Her original appearance was July 2, but the foot injury prevented her from making the earlier date. On Sunday, fans who waited had their appetites satiated as she unleashed a first-class, First World set, giving them a taste of her eclectic music catalogue, pausing only to pay tribute to reggae greats Bob Andy and Garnett Silk.
PACKED LOUNGE
“I believe to celebrate others, I live from that paradigm, and both Bob and Garnett have touched my life in many ways. In the case of Bob Andy, we became friends before he transitioned. Garnett was my workmate,” she told The Gleaner after securing her place in the hearts of the packed lounge.
Sutherland came to party, and this she did, hardly capable of disappointing any audience that knew the words to the Etta James’ ballad At Last. Finally, the Jamaican artiste who became a household name in her early teens, gave them the freedom to scream as loudly as they wanted to.
The impressive repertoire she pulled for included the likes of Daddy Screw’s Big Tingz a Gwaan, Wayne Wonder’s Joyride, Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam, and the song that catapulted her to fame, Action. Sutherland also showed tremendous respect to the renowned Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser, doing a rendition that literally touched the core of every single person in the room.
Unplugged, the entertainment showcase that was a staple at the Montego Bay gaming lounge and restaurant a decade ago, resumed last November with Singing Melody.
Sutherland’s set was followed by an amazing performance by the Bubble and Spice All-Star Singers, Brian Brown, Deasha Gordon, and Chevon ‘Nye’ Smith. The three entertainers took the evening to the next level, taking guests on a musical journey with a medley of reggae and dancehall hits.