AFTER taking an eight-year break from live shows, Gary Matalon, CEO of the KLE Group Limited, is pleased with the support received at Thursday’s ‘Tracks Live Sessions’.

“I couldn’t be happier…We built a venue that we could showcase Jamaican talent, and I think tonight is a great example of what is possible in a place like Tracks and Records,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The event was held at Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records on Constant Spring Road in Kingston.

The crowd cheered as Kacique, Lila Ike and Dre Island delivered their sets. They were even more vocal when Protoje and Agent Sasco joined Lila Ike to perform Not Another Word, after which each did a freestyle session.

Dre Island, who shot to prominence in 2017 with We Pray ft Popcaan, was supported onstage by Jesse Royal and Chronixx.

Matalon said the bi-monthly shows will feature seasoned and up-and-coming artistes.

“The initial vision for Tracks and Records was similar to some of the indoor venues that exist in the major market around the world and, as I said before, that for us was a key brand proposition. For us, the exposure for the young, upcoming artistes is critical; but at the same time, the more established artistes can come in here, they can test out new material…some of the veterans can come,” he said.

In 2011 the Corporate Area eatery hosted the live gig series ‘Behind The Screen’. The acts included Tanya Stephens, Protoje and Chronixx.

Matalon said the KLE Group is committed to investing in local artistes.

“What we are gaining from this is development of Jamaica’s culture, Jamaica’s music industry…in December 2012 nobody knew who Chronixx was as an artiste and you feel like you contributed, and that’s really what it was all about; that’s why we built this place,” he said.

Patrons were delighted with the evening’s performances.

“It’s really good. This is my first time at Tracks and Records and I will definitely come back to the next live session,” banker Christina Millington told the Observer.

“It was a soulful night jamming to songs from Agent Sasco, Protoje and Lila. Amazing night with good vibes and good people,” said The University of the West Indies law student Shennae Hanson.

For Alexa Williams: “It was good.”