Freddie Jackson in performance. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

On a Sunday night dominated by rockers at the National Stadium, Arthur Wint Drive, St Andrew, Freddie Jackson's injection of R&B, just before Beres Hammond performed, had the effect of an ice cream stand on a group of schoolchildren.

The large audience screamed, lapped it up and demanded more.

Not that Jackson served up many scoops of soul as, after a calm reggae version of All Over You, he did only three 'softies', Me and Mrs Jones, All I Ever Ask and Rock Me Tonight. However, his showmanship, charisma, stage movement and good singing not only intensified the flavour but stretched each serving.

Laughter

On Me and Mrs Jones, Jackson invited a 'Mrs Jones' in the audience to touch him on the right knee, which one woman happily did. Jones teased that she had wanted to touch him at a higher spot and there was laughter all around.

Jackson removed his jacket during Dean Fraser's saxophone introduction to All I Ever Ask, jogging nimbly back to the microphone as the music hit in full and the audience hollered in recognition of the ballad.

A playful Jackson did some Michael Jackson footwork and a mock moonwalk, smiling, before starting the next song.

Kissed on the cheek

And, again, the thousands whooped, this time for You Are My Lady. And, again, Jackson got a touch from a willing woman in the audience, this time going down on his knees to accept a kiss on the cheek from a lass on tiptoes.

Many were already standing and singing and Rock Me Tonight brought those who had resisted the pull of soul surging to their feet. And, Freddie Jackson milked the song for all it was worth, which was a lot, leaving the stage with his jacket slung over his shoulder and scatting to a dancehall-style mix.

He did not stay out of sight for long, though, the screams intensifying as he returned with Beres Hammond, the two alternating parts of the chorus, in yet another smooth handover at 'Moment' on Sunday night.

"It was great," Jackson said after his performance. "I mean, you look at the way the crowd reacted when the artistes took the stage. What Beres wanted was to let the music flow. It was truly a moment in time."

Of the woman he dared while onstage, Jackson added: "I think it's good to keep the females on the edge when performing."

When The Gleaner spoke with Hammond after the show, he said his surprised line-up met his expectations and promised that next year's show will be better.

"All these people (guest artistes) are wonderful leaders. You know, I give them thanks for every little they have done. For now, I can't say anything more than thanks to them," said Hammond.

He continued: "I'm not here for the hype. Our thing is just a family vibe. This year was beautiful. We have life and I am happy for that. Next year, we are going to have Elvis (laughs)."

Beres Hammond (left) hugs Freddie Jackson during 'A Moment In Time

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