By Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
Carlene Davis performs on-stage at the launch of her new album, 'The Author and Finisher', last Tuesday night, at the Emancipation Park in New Kingston.
FROM CANCER to Christ was seemingly the concept of Carlene Davis' album launch, which was held on Tuesday night, the eve of International Breast Cancer Month, at the Emancipation Park in New Kingston.
The event, which marked the unveiling of Carlene Davis' fifth gospel album, The Author and Finisher, was staged in collaboration with the Jamaica Cancer Society. At first thought, one would wonder what a gospel album has to do with the society. That curiosity would soon be removed, as it was revealed that Carlene Davis is a cancer survivor and part proceeds of the album sales will be donated to the work being undertaken by the Jamaica Cancer Society.
The huge dome-shaped structure at the park was used as the stage. Neither Carlene nor Glory Music can complain, since they had a good turnout. The seats supplied were all filled and many others stood at various vantage points so that they could get a good look at what was happening on the stage.
Still, it was business as usual for many at the park, as the regular fitness enthusiasts ran their routes as if nothing exceptional was happening around them. However, there were a few that were seen shaking a leg to the music provided by Carlene Davis and her team.
SPECIAL GUESTS
The special guest list included political ombudsman and pastor, Herro Blair, and Pastor Richard Keane from the Family Church on the Rock, both of whom shared the honour of unveiling the album. Gospel deejay Papa San and his wife were also in the house. The master of ceremonies was the seasoned Tony Young, who kept the audience members on the edges of their seats.
At 7:13 p.m. the microphone was handed from one veteran MC to another when Young gave the microphone, as well as the task of introducing the lady of the night, Carlene Davis, to the singer's husband, Tommy Cowan.
With her face beaming like a stadium bulb, Carlene went to the stage elegantly clad in a sleeveless dress 'weh a tek life', beads around her neck, a 'wicked' pair of high-heeled shoes and a hairstyle that resembled the do of an electrocution attempt survivor.
She opened her stint with the uptempo Risen King, which featured the Kencot Seventh-Day Adventist Choir as well as dancers from the Family Church on the Rock. An annoying feedback noise that went on for a while threatened the quality of the performance. Luckily for all, it was rectified before any serious damage was done to the eardrums of the patrons.
CULTURAL CUISINE
The next song was the 'rootsy- sounding' By Any Means Necessary, cultural cuisine which was lapped up by the audience. The song featured Tommy Cowan and the couple hugged and sang together to the delight of the crowd. A hefty round of applause and screams was showered on the couple for their effort.
Carlene Davis delivered a mini-Sermon on the Mount which testified to her being a cancer survivor and an incident that saw her being held up by four gunmen. That testimony paved the way for the track God Is, which also featured the Family Church on the Rock dancers. At 7:31 p.m., during the delivery of the said song, disaster struck. The lead vocal microphone went on vacation. However, Carlene Davis, the harmony vocalists and the musicians displayed professionalism which covered the gash somewhat. They continued as if nothing was wrong until the power was restored.
The atmosphere at the park hit the boiling point when Carlene delivered a cover of the popular praise and worship anthem Behold He Comes. The audience was summoned to rise by Carlene and it responded in the affirmative. The delivery was topped off by smoke effects and dancers with banners and flags.
Gospel deejay Prodigal Son made a cameo on the dancehall-style Lion of Judah. Before hitting the stage, the deejay took time out to 'hail up' noted musician Lloyd Parkes, who performed on the song. During his stint on-stage Carlene revealed that Lloyd recently got baptised.
FOOTLOOSE MODE
The title track, The Author and Finisher, which is on the 'Diwali' rhythm, continued the footloose mode. The Family Church on the Rock dancers made another cameo, alongside Carelene Davis' daughter and a few of her friends. This time around the dancers were not clad in ankle-length skirts, but close-fitting jeans pants, white shirts and mostly Kangol hats. The scenes on-stage were reminiscent of Elephant Man's video Pon Di River, Pon Di Bank, as they 'bussed' the latest dancehall dance moves. Carlene even got in on the action as well.
The night was closed out with an altar call made by Pastor Keane, who laid hands on and prayed for those who came forward. Carlene Davis and the back-up singers set the tone for the altar service by singing Breathe On Me. While they hummed, the pastor prayed.
It is safe to say that the album launch was a success, despite a few shortcomings.
