Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

The banner behind the stage read 'The Deck - Keeping Live Music Alive and Where Friends Meet'. Thus, the chosen venue for Desi Jones and friends' 'Jazz on the Deck 08' last Sunday evening.

The show got off to a late start but the high quality of the performance was enough to satisfy the fair-sized audience at the New Kingston location.

The show was divided into two segments: rounds one and two. Round one kicked off with Sandu (the first of approximately five blues on the programme) and was followed by an old Brazilian song titled One Note Samba. There was also the ballad Autumn Leaves. The jazz classic Take Five concluded this segment.

Segment two began with a slow tempo Somewhere and was followed by the ever-popular blues, Mercy, Mercy, while trumpeter Vivian Scott played the final item, Satin Doll.

Desi Jones (drums); Micky Hanson and Vivian Scott (trumpets), who joined the band in the second half of the programme; Rupert Bent (guitar); Adrian Henry (bass guitar); and Christopher McDonald (keyboard) demonstrated great dexterity. With their instruments, they engaged the audience in a 'conversation' of yeahs and applause.

Also performing on the bill was the only vocalist, Winsome Benjamin. She performed four songs: Quiet Nights, Black Coffee, Night and Day and Paper Moon. She was sassy and flirtatious during her rendition of Paper Moon.

The event was the meal for hungry jazz lovers. And, there will be more servings, as for the next three months The Deck will be the venue for more Desi Jones experiences.