By Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
Chandis, a member of the Pum Pum Posse which performed during 'Bitter Sweet Sexual Elixir of Poetic Word Sound' at Redbones The Blues Café, New Kingston, last Thursday night. - Contributed
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE BITTER of betrayal, the sweet of sensuality and the excitement of eroticism fused with the power of poetry and melody of music at Redbones the Blues Café last Thursday night.
The Braemar Avenue, New Kingston, eatery and entertainment spot played host to the 'Bitttersweet Sexual Elixir of Poetic Word Sound', which featured the Pum Pum Posse and guest, Gina Rey Forrest. Billed for adults only, the show lived up to its name in word and action, with a constant stream of sex poetry, items like a dildo being very briefly displayed on-stage and simulated oral sex.
The event got good crowd support, both in terms of attendance and response to the presentation. One gentleman, who was seated to the right of the stage within a few feet of the performers, burnt loud, booming 'Fia!' on any mention or depiction of oral sex, to the amusement of the females in the audience.
Violinist Mark Stephenson, who along with Ras Rod on percussions supported the poets, gave Wyclef Jean's 911 the 'yard' treatment as 119 and tore the house down during the break between poetry segments.
However, as good as that was, he followed with a superb rendition of Dennis Brown's Should I, Redbones suddenly full of Crown Princes and Princesses as the audience sang along. His movements through the audience, tipping his bow to a lovely lady or two, did not hurt either.
Entering through a heart drawn on cloth, with a split down the middle and a hole in its centre, Posse members Sajoya and Chandis opened up the show. Chandis hit the refrain 'it is raining again' under a clear sky, so any droplets must have come from elsewhere, as Gina Rey Forrest stepped up to the microphone with Litany of Longing. She followed up with More, continued with Flashbacks and ended that segment on a very serious note with Blood Money in which she spoke to the women who sleep with 'businessmen'.
Ms. Forrest worked without music, but Sajoya employed the beautifully blended percussions of Ras Rod and violin of Mark Stephenson to deliver Prostitute and Rage, completing that stint with the innuendo-filled Cascading Water.
The stage was elegantly set, a striking glossy cream hat with cream band among the items which gave it an occupied but uncluttered feel. The performers, when not actually delivering their work, reclined on low stools.
The real dramatic effect was reserved for the performers' attire. Chandis decked out in a peek-a-boo black outfit, Sajoya standing tall on towering strap-ups and Ras Rod in a crocus creation were especially dramatic.
The drama also came out in on-stage interactions between Sajoya and Ras Rod, as they acted out Joe and Man Go I Come. The latter actually ended with Sajoya on Ras Rod's back, riding away and fake whipping him with a real jockey's whip.
Gina Rey Forrest went for a little of the dramatic herself, as she requested a chocolate bar from the audience to do Chocolate Binge, which came in a section which included Red, Wild Ride and Temptation. The Snicker got a simulated tongue treatment and, when she finished, the gentleman who had offered it declined its return. However, he agreed to hold it for her until the show ended.
'Bitter Sweet Sexual Elixir of Poetic Word Sound' actually ended with Chandis doing the Pum Pum Anthem and the cast members taking bows to the cheers of the audience.
