Grand start to Jazz festival

Adrian Frater, News Editor

FLORENCE HALL, TRELAWNY:
The 2012 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival got underway in grand style at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose, near Falmouth just over two hours ago with what could be described as a basic introduction to Jamaica’s music.

The fans, who turned out early, had much to cheer about as they were treated to a combination of Ska and Mento courtesy of acts such as the Dubtonic Crew, the Show Mento Band, Byron Lee’s Dragonaires and the legendary king of Ska, Derrick Morgan.

The Dubtonic Crew was silky smooth as members showed complete mastery over their instruments, setting the place alight with their cover of Black Uhuru’s Shine Eye Gyal .

The undisputed star among the early acts was Morgan, who reeled off his legendary Ska hits with consummate ease as he performed songs like Reggae Train, Independence, Rude Boy and Fat Mother.

Among the other acts expected to sparkle in a night dedicated to 50 years of Jamaican music are Kymani Marley, Luciano, Maxi Priest, Etana, Mykal Rose and Shaggy.

editorial@gleanerjm.com