Pam Hall - Claudine Housen/Staff Photographer

Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Pam Hall did the singing, but many sung her praises at The Office, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, on Tuesday night.

Before she presented tracks from her most recent album, Songs in the Key of Dancehall, interspersing the songs with her gratitude to various persons, music fraternity colleagues spoke highly of Hall.

On what host Ossie D said was a "very special night", Jamaica Federation of Musicians (JFM) president Desi Young said "This lady, through 11 albums, has distinguished herself in terms of being a musician-producer.

"She has adorned hundreds of records that have become internationally famous," Young said of Hall's background vocals work. Still, he said "I do not believe she is getting her fair share. Our media need to pay more attention to excellence. We have a number of female artistes who are not getting enough exposure, enough attention," Young said.

Hall, dressed all in black, sat front and centre in a black leather couch before the low stage as Nadine Sutherland said that the first background session she did was with Hall, JC Lodge and Ruddy Thomas. Then, much more recently, Hall did a jazz album with Ernie Ranglin (Testament) and I was 'transported', putting her in the same league as Sarah Vaughn. "The world needsto see her. The world needs to hear her," Ms. Sutherland said.

Keyboard player Charmaine Bowman pointed out Hall's self-reliant attitude, saying "Pam sat down and create an album almost by herself. She got help, but the majority of the work was her."

Singing to and often having to lift her voice above recorded tracks, Hall ended Sweet Little Angel with a long 'me' to warm applause. Her first thanks went to 'the Almighty for the gift of music, which is such a beautiful thing' and then her partner Willo.

Papaya was strong on dancehall, Hall at one point standing side-on to those at the bar area, stepping backwards to the beat on relatively high, thick heels.

A pair of dancers stepped up for Outa Aada, Hall slipping in a hip roll as the young ladies worked at the more elaborate moves. The dancers stayed for the rub a dub of Moonlight Lover.

Lloyd Lovindeer described Hall as 'one of the most talented persons' and said "...with Pam in the studio you cannot go off-key. She is also a top-class producer and a top-class arranger."

Boris Gardiner added his congratulations, going back to their first meeting in 1978 or 1979 at Aquarius. "I looked at this girl and said 'what a talent'. And she can sing."

There was laughter at The Office.