By Teino Evans, Staff Reporter
This group of talented young women, 'Tribute', had persons engrossed in their song when they performed at the Swallowfield Chapel. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
THE SWEET sounds of musical instruments, angelic voices and pictorial displays overflowed from the Swallowfield Chapel in Kingston, as Denrush Promotions, in association with Project 150, presented 'Christ in Art and Jazz'.
The event, which was held last Friday evening, followed an official press launch for Dennis Rushton's latest album, A New Day. Rushton had hand-picked a few of his friends to share in a magical moment on-stage.
Paving the way for Rushton were the likes of Reichel Neil and David Ho, two photographers who presented some of their work in the form of a slide show. Each picture told a story, all particularly related to the awesome wonders of the Creator. There were pictures of flowers and trees in their natural habitat, the sunset and other wonderful sceneries in Jamaica.
Patrons were then exposed to some young upcoming talent, particularly Nichole Crawford, who had the packed auditorium captivated by her powerful and spirited singing.
By the time Mr. Rushton and friends were to take the stage the atmosphere was already set.
Dennis Rushton, while playing on the main keyboards, was accompanied by several musicians, among them specially-invited guest Melvin Butler, a saxophonist who is regularly featured on BET's Jazz Central.
Among the group of musicians on-stage were Kyon Taylor and James Valentine on drums, Kevon Webster on second keyboard, Michael Kelly on bass guitar, Paul Henry on trumpet, Kingsley Depass on violin and Hannah Dijon on guitar.
This group of extremely talented musicians, needless to say, put on a superb show as they had persons in the audience dancing to the smooth sounds of jazz.
A TIMELESS PERFORMANCE
Rushton opened his performance playing a smooth melody on the keyboard. He closed his eyes momentarily as if he had entered on a journey of deep musical meditation.
As the musicians performed solo pieces while delivering the songs from Rushton's new album like The Old Rugged Cross, Quiet Times and Glory Avenue, they added variations and personal touches to the songs.
They earned themselves a standing ovation from the audience for their overwhelmingly impressive talent.
After a short break, the musicians returned to the stage to put the icing on the cake. To the delight of the audience, Rushton appeared on-stage with a baby pink Melodica in his hand, as he immediately broke into a medley from his first album Sail On.
SQUARE OFF
Patrons were pulled to their feet, as they couldn't help but dance and prance to the jazzy rhythms. As a matter of fact, more excitement was added to the performance on-stage when Rushton, armed with his little pink melodica, sought to square off with Melvin Butler and his saxophone.
The two went toe-to-toe and note-for-note as they played some of Jamaica's old time favourites in ska and folk music. They went out in a bang when Rushton gave a display of Prodigal Son's dance 'The Cross'.
Rushton and friends gave a splendid performance, so much so that when the close of the show was announced a group of youngsters were heard singing on the top of their voices, "Wi nah go home, wi nah go home."
Rushton and friends definitely created a musical rush of excitement and amazement for all who attended.
