Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee gets ‘Jazzed’ Up

Friday, December 30, 2011

ART of Music Productions, the producers of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, have dedicated Thursday, January 26, of the upcoming event to Jamaica's 50th anniversary of Independence.

The production company has co-opted a slew of Jamaica's best artistes to make an excellent event that will kick-start the celebration of the important anniversary.

"Jazz is the first major event for Jamaica 50 and will therefore set the tone for the celebrations," explained Junior Taylor, associate producer.

"The idea is to showcase the music from the time we gained our Independence to now," he said. Thursday night's tribute to the golden jubilee will therefore present a musical tapestry featuring some of Jamaican music's greatest from the different eras, showcasing the best of ska, rocksteady, reggae, and dancehall.

The roster is a mix that will surely sate the wishes of fans of all Jamaican genres. The multiple-platinum recording artiste and international sensation Shaggy, is sure to whet appetites with his magnetism, gravelly voice, and catchy witty tunes that will send waves of excitement through the audience. Dancehall's first king, Yellowman as well as the original raggamuffin, Half Pint, will have original dancehall fans rocking to the beat.

Songstress Marcia Griffiths, Etana, Luciano, and Mykal Rose will delve into reggae's more mystical and prophetic side. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the sounds of lovers' rock, Freddie McGregor and John Holt have been billed. The line-up will also feature George Nooks, Chris Martin, AJ Brown, Pluto Shervington, Lloyd Parks and the We the People Band and Byron Lee's Dragonaires.

The acts will deliver short, energetic performances which the producers hope will create a visual kaleidoscope of Jamaican music, drawing from their own hits as well as other iconic songs. Additionally, the night's musical fare will be held together by a narrative that will guide the musical journey.

Taylor explained that the Jamaica Jazz and Blues' Thursday night leg has traditionally enjoyed the lowest turnout of the three-night festival. He noted that the lower attendance results from fewer people being able to take off from work to attend, on Thursday. However, it is anticipated that this year's special line-up and other incentives will have more patrons flocking to the venue.