Adrian Frater, News Editor

Pianist Dr. Cathy Brown during her performance on day two of the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival at the Half Moon Shopping Village, in Montego Bay, St. James on Wednesday. - Claudine Housen/Staff Photographer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Although not attracting top billing, it was the charismatic and musically charged Dr. Cathy Brown who stole the spotlight on Wednesday night as the 2007 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival ended its two-night stopover in the scenic theatre at the Half Moon Shopping Centre, Montego Bay.

With brilliant support coming from famed drummer Desi Jones, top-flight bassist Ian Hoilett and master percussionist Denver Smith, who also played congo drums; Dr. Brown was almost therapeutic in her delivery as she drew prolonged applause from the small but appreciative audience.

It was like delivering a much-needed prescription to an ailing patient in need of his medicine as Dr. Brown commanded maximum attention, caressing the keyboard with her dancing fingers as she unleashed classic instrumental selections such as Summertime, Flintstones, a rollicking cover of the Wailers' Get Up Stand Up, Take It Easy and Mission in a blazing opening salvo.

It was like adding extra shine to a well-polished diamond as the musical doctor ended her super stint by showing off her versatility, reeling off a superb cover version of The Light - a standout song on the classy Cuban jazz album Afro Cuban Chant; Kenny Jarrett's,Qing Wen, Afro Blues and the beloved South African ballad Grandfather.

Stagecraft and Professionalism

While not attaining the enviable heights that Dr. Brown reached earlier, the night's main act, the highly acclaimed American contemporary jazz star Roy Ayers and his amazing show band, also generated much excitement in a performance steeped in stagecraft and professionalism.

While his saxophonist and drummer came close to upstaging Ayers on several occasions, the self-assured remained large and in charge, blending the musical excitement of xylophone with his vintage crooning voice as he connected almost immediately with the audience on songs such as Baby You Got It, Searching and We Gonna Make It.

The tempo reached fever-pitch mid-way Ayers' set as in a sizzling segment; his saxophonist and drummer had the audience on their feet as they did magical things with their respective instruments. However, Ayers quickly reclaimed the focus, scoring big with No Stranger To Love and Everybody Love Sunshine.

With audience in his corner and urging him on, Ayers performance became comical at times as he poked fun at himself and the patrons. When his stint came to close to 11:30 p.m. he exited the stage in fine style, belting out Three In A Row and Evolution, which generated generous applause.

Songbird Della Manley, who took the stage after Dr. Brown's dazzling set, was her usual calm and confident self. Standing tall and strumming her guitar with calm assurance, she quickly made her mark as she opened with Ashes On The Windowsill and followed that up effortlessly with Begin To Laugh.

Spontaneous applause

The dazzling Della Manley was soon in her element, driving the audience to spontaneous applause as she let loose on songs such as Moondance, Book of Rules and Bittersweet. When she closed her set with Hey, it was quite obvious that she had stamped her class on the show.

The Florida-based aspiring Caribbean fusion bang Strings, which was the opening act, played to an almost empty theatre as the patrons were late in coming out. However, those who were present were treated to a delightful set, which included selections such as Island Follies, Sunrise and a deejay-style selection entitled Wine Yu Body.