IT was a ‘Foggy Night’ in more ways than one on opening day of the 25th Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival at Ashe Performing Centre in St Andrew, Saturday.

With grey clouds hovering, the handful of jazz lovers, headed by former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, enjoyed an evening dedicated to late politician/pianist Seymour ‘Foggy’ Mullings.

A former deputy prime minister of Jamaica, Mullings performed regularly at ‘Jazz’. He died in 2013 at age 82.

Hosted by Festival Director Myrna Hague, the event began with pianist Marjorie Whylie reflecting on Mullings’ contribution to Jamaican music, as well as his deep knowledge and understanding of jazz.

“I met Foggy when I was 15 years of age at a jam session at Champion House (a Kingston restaurant and hang-out) at the corner of Lyndhurst Road and Maxfield Avenue. At the time I was learning to play the vibraphone, being tutored by Teddy Mowatt,” Whylie told the audience. “I was totally captivated by Foggy’s gentle, creative, sophistication, spreading the chords across both hands… it was jazz my 15-year-old ears understood and fingers itched to follow his lead.”

She did ‘Foggyesque’ interpretations of Polkadots and Moonbeams, and the standard My Favorite Things.

The grand dame of the ivories ended her stint with a Latin medley that included Gallandar, Brazil and East of The Sun.

Keyboardist Lloyd ‘Obeah’ Denton (formerly of the Riddim Kings Band), displayed his diversity, adeptness and sensitivity on Tenor Madness, My Favourite Things and Body and Soul.

Haitian singer Zina gave an impressive performance of the Etta James classic At Last and the Gershwin gem Summertime.

The Ralph Holding Quartet was on point with straight ahead offerings. Led by Holding on piano, with Tony Moss on bass, Big C on drums, and Mark Gooden on sax, their delightful selections comprised timeless numbers such as People Make The World Go Round, Natural Mystic, Foggy Day In London Town and Killer Joe.

South African singer Lorraine Klaasen had the full attention of the gathering. Supported by Desi Jones on drums, Dale Haslam on bass, Chris McDonald on keyboards, Congo Bill on percussions, guitarist Maurice Gordon and Winsome Benjamin on vocals, Klaasen admitted: “I am not a jazz singer, I am an African singer.”

She brought proceedings to a thrilling close with the Click Song, Jolinkomo, Mina Nawe, Malaika and Unomeva. Honouring her mother’s request, she also did All of Me, Lady Is A Tramp, Teach Me Tonight, and And I Love You So.

The Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival was established in 1991by Hague’s husband, the late band leader Sonny Bradshaw as a one-day showcase. It grew to a week-long event geared at fans of traditional jazz. Bradshaw died in 2009 at age 83.

The festival continues with Jazz Brunch at the Hotel Four Seasons in St Andrew tomorrow.

– Basil Walters