By Leighton Williams, Staff Reporter
Ken Boothe gives a great performance at 'Tributes to the Greats' at Curphy Place last Saturday night. - Carlington Wilmot /Freelance Photographer
FORMER STUDIO One artistes Ken Boothe and Alton Ellis closed 'Tributes To The Greats' in a grand manner at Curphey Place, Swallowfield Road, St. Andrew on Saturday night.
On a night that could have easily been dubbed 'a tribute by greats', both acts, in addition to capping off the night's proceedings, were awarded by the promoters, King Omar Promotions, for their life-long contributions to the music.
Boothe was the penultimate act on the night and, of course, he had the moves to match his lyrics. The veteran singer skipped, spun and in one instance slipped as he opened up his performance with Freedom Street.
"I just want to thank all the people that made the award available for me," Boothe said as the Studio One band began playing I'm Gonna Tell You Goodbye, which the audience responded to favourably.
The more romantic When I Fall In Love followed as Boothe skanked, spun and lost his footing. He got up and continued performing as the audience urged him on. With the crowd wanting to hear more of the singer, he wrapped up his set with Everything I Own.
The audience still wanted more. Their hunger, however, was not sated and another great would close the night in a similar fashion.
Alton Ellis entered the performing area to a huge reception. He began with Born A Winner and Curphey Place was on its feet. After 'bigging up' Ken Boothe and the other acts, Ellis moved into Ain't That Loving You and got some encouragement as he was forced to 'wheel' the song. The ever popular I've Got A Date went over well with the crowd. Ellis exited after the song.
However, the exit was not for long as he returned with Weeping Willow and he had the audience singing and dancing along. He moved into I'm Still In Love and the audience was singing en masse before he broke off. "This song is on the U.S. charts with Sean Paul and Sasha," he said as he began the song again.
To crown his performance, Ellis closed off with Breaking Up His Hard To Do but not before making a segue into Sugar Minott's Never Gonna Give Jah Up.
When he was through there were more shouts to bring him back. However, the singer did not return, much to the disappointment of many.
Earlier in the night, Bunny and Scully also gave the audience much delight. The duo began with Come Let Me Hold You and followed with Let The Good Times Roll as they hugged each other, the crowd shouting words of encouragement.
Brent Dowe got good reviews for his Feel Good All Over, Oh What Sweet Sensation and a host of other songs.
The sole deejay for the night, Lone Ranger, represented his genre with pride, performing songs such as God Bless The Children and Let Me Tell You 'Bout The Girl I Know.
Overall, 'Tributes To The Great' was a good event where all the artistes gave good performances.
