By Adrian Frater, News EditorWESTERN BUREAU:
AN AIR of excitement hovers over Montego Bay as the city prepares to host the 2004 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, which will unfold on the lawns of the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Rose Hall, January 22-24.
"Based on the feedback we have been getting, this could well be the biggest show of its kind ever staged in Jamaica," said Montego Bay businessman Robert Russell, who is involved in the promotion.
"The line-up has definitely captured the attention of music lovers all over Jamaica."
Considered by many as a promoter's dream, the line-up offers a generous mix of top-flight local and international stars, including country music legend 65-year-old Kenny Rogers. He will perform on the Friday night, which is dedicated to fellow country music legend, the late Johnny 'The Man in Black' Cash.
Rogers, who came to international prominence in the 1970s with his cowboy-style ballads, will share Friday night excitement with the likes of R&B star Bobby Womack, Cuban Elio Reve' y Su Charango and the Jamaican-born acclaimed jazz pianist, Monty Alexander.
For the lovers of roots/rock/reggae music, Thursday's opening night should offer a special treat with Beres Hammond sharing the spotlight with R&B star India Arie, seasoned jazz veteran Nancy Wilson and local talents Dean Frazier & Friends and Maurice Gordon.
On Saturday night patrons will be treated to the awesome musical power of five-time Grammy-winner Alicia Keys, arguably the biggest female star in the world today.
The night's package is completed by Michael McDonald, jazz performer Cassandra Wilson, R&B singer Omar Cunningham and local based acts, the 'We The People' band, Lydia Bennett and instrumentalist Dwight Pinkney.
The curtain will come down on the festival on the Sunday with a gospel package featuring former secular stars Papa San, Carlene Davis and Junior Tucker.
