Nostalgia in Gold, the concert that signalled the start of the 11th Jamaica International Ocho Rios Jazz Festival at the Little Theatre on Saturday, was a pleasant musical experience.
It was not the greatest show on earth. But everybody held their own on the cabaret-style fare, even though the Platters, who were the headliners were a trifle below expectation.
However, with no original member of the famed 1950s quartet which was the toast of music lovers around the world, Tyrone Sweet, Julie Harris, Paul Allen III (vocals), Joel Gaines (keyboard/vocals) and Steve Stevens on drums survived the night.
Thanks to the modest gathering of polite music aficionados who, at the end, rose to their feet in appreciation of a stint that was entertaining in spots.
Veteran Jamaican balladeer Buddy Ilgner, was in good nick bringing back pleasant memories when he ruled the roost on the local club circuit.
Drawing a great deal from Frank Sinatra's songbook, he straddled his inimitable magic on such timeless classics as The Lady Is A Tramp, When Somebody Loves You (All The Way), and Fly Me To The Moon.
International flautist and master whistler Joel Brandon, took patrons to commanding musical heights.
A consummate stylist with keen sensitivity, his was an incredible act of technique, intonation and style. Alternating the flute and his whistling with amazing flexibility, the extraordinary artiste outdid himself on the old jazz standard, Bluesette.
Augmented with the inclusion of Dean Fraser (sax), Sparrow Martin (drums), Jackie Jackson (bass), Marjorie Whylie (keyboards) and visiting saxophonist of note, Byard Lancaster, the Jamaica Big Band, under the direction of Sonny Bradshaw, blew up a storm.
The jazz orchestra, celebrating 50 years of music fro the swing era, was a riot, especially on the Jamaican folk/pop vintage, Carry Go Bring Come. An extended solo by hornsman, Dean Fraser, was completely mesmerising.
The effervescent Karen Smith set the tone for the enchanting evening of music by breezing through two delightful musical items -- Bloco and de Loverly.
The week of jazz continues tonight with the first of a three night series of concerts dubbed Jazz Organ Summit at the Devon House Grog Shoppe. Appearing will be the Kingsley Ettienne Trio and Maurice Gordon Trio.