THE evening’s emcee Fae Ellington referred to Ernie Smith and Pluto Shervington as masters of their craft. And, following their performances at Keesing Live in St Andrew on Saturday night, they proved that description was appropriate.

A ‘mature set’ converged on the popular Corporate Area venue to hear two artistes who made their mark on the local music scene during the 1970s. Among those seen in the audience were Government Minister Dr Omar Davies and his wife, Rose; Ambassador Eleanor Felix; former broadcaster Elaine Wint; and music impresario Tommy Cowan and his wife, gospel singer Carlene Davis.

Each artiste performed a solo set before returning to the stage for a thoroughly entertaining ‘tune fi tune’.

Shervington was up first and his solo set included

Dat, Never Any Good andYour Honour. The passing years have not diminished Shervington’s ability to entertain. His comedic timing, use of double entendre, and lively banter in-between songs made his set much more interesting.

Smith has not lost that gravel-toned baritone which has made his tracks Jamaican classics. For his solo set he dropped

One Dream, I For Jesus, By The Rivers of Babylon, Sweet Sensation, Sammy Dead, A Little More Oil In My Lamp, andWings of a Dove. These paved the way for a lively lyrical exchange between the two. Smith got the ball rolling withPitta Patter and Shervington answered withDancing Mood. Keyboard player Chris McDonald’s vocal antics added a layer to Smith’sElsaida, to which Shervington came back withHail the Man. Smith unleashedTears on My Pillow and Shervington didRam Goat Liver. This was answered with the hugely popularDuppy or Gunman from Smith. Shervington would come back withI Man Born Yah.Play Di Music by Smith was followed byKind of People We Are to wrap up the evening. But the audience would not have Smith leave the venue without hearing one of their favourites. So the artiste and musicians had to be recalled to the stage forLife Is Just For Living.

Earlier in the evening, cabaret act Georgia Henry, who told the Jamaica Observer that she has been in the biz for 36 years , thrilled the audience with a stirring set.

The event, which was part of Kingston Music Week, proved to be a real hit.

— Richard Johnson