THE Redbones Blues Café in New Kingston transformed into an oasis for new wave jazz on March 7.

Guyana-born saxophonist Courtney Fadlin, a graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, lived up to his growing reputation as an outstanding instrumentalist.

He opened with Morning Dance, originally done by American fusion band Spyro Gyra then thrilled the audience with renditions of the Grover Washington classic East River Drive, Earth, Wind and Fire's Reasons, Bob James' Maputo and his own compositions Portrait of Cuba, Happy Madness and Journey to Africa.

Fadlin was ably supported by St Vincent's Reajhien Baptiste on steel pans, Desi Jones on drums, Jon Williams on keyboards, bassist Michael Kennedy and guitarist Lamont 'Monty' Savory.

Special guest artiste, Italian guitarist Samuele Vivian added to the eclectic mix. A teacher at the Edna Manley College, he gave an excellent performance of a number titled Conquistador then conquered the hearts of the audience with his take on Mariah Carey's My All.