THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WOULD like to express my delight at some of the offerings at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival this year. Air Supply's performance was sheer electricity and James Ingram shone. I must, however, express my concern at an element I noticed that crept in this year which I think may cause the festival to lose its charm.
I have nothing against dancehall music and the characters that go with it. However, I feel that they already have at least three events dedicated to them, namely Reggae Sumfest, Sting and Rebel Salute, and I do not think that many of the patrons of the jazz and blues festival were necessarily impressed by the grating voices and being encouraged to shout Jah Rastafari.
I think that the promoters as well as the artistes need to be aware of the audience that they are catering to, in this case a more mature audience, and should take this into consideration when selecting their songs and planning their performance.
Dancehall has its place and persons wishing to listen to it have their opportunities to do so. However, there are some of us who would prefer jazz and blues to be just that, easy listening under the stars.
I am, etc.,
J. THOMPSON
Mandeville P.O.
