A Jazzed Up Jazz and Blues Festival Once Again in Jamaica

Mariah Carey

Not even the threat of rain at the Trelawny Stadium, could dampen the performance of American R&B superstar Mariah Carey on the second night of Jazz and Blues 2015 the Jamaica Observer reports.  The American had the audience on their feet throughout her marathon performance which saw her moving seemlessly from one hit to another from her extensive catalogue.  

The Grammy award winning singer who was obviously enjoying herself while on stae gave the large and appreciative audience what they wanted - 'Touch My Body' , 'Give It To Me' , 'Beautiful' , 'Vision of Love' , 'Don't Let Go' and 'Always Be My Baby' and more..

Opening night of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival was dubbed Tribute to John Holt, with an all-Jamaican line-up, except for Trinidadian Soca artiste Oscar B.  The Holt

George Nooks

Tribute got off to a flying start with veteran Errol Dunkley dropping popular hits by the late reggae pioneer such as 'Don't Know Why' , You're Gonna Need Me' , 'I Wanna Know' , 'Black Cinderella' and the monster 1979 hit 'OK Fred' written by Holt.

Errol Dunkley's performance segued into that of Cornell Campbell, who delivered some of his memorable tracks Bouncing and Queen of the Minstrels among others. Followed by George Nooks who fuelled the fire and set it ablaze during his set, singing some his popular songs such as Always on My Mind' , 'So Much Love to Give' , 'Zion Gates' and 'Tribal War' before exiting stage with 'Left With a Broken Heart.'

Miss Judy Mowatt

Judy Mowatt  was up next with crisp clear voice from the moment she walked on stage untill the end of her 40-minute set. She was the night's sole female performer and she proved why she has endured decades in the music industry, whether gospel or secular. The former member of the world reknown I-Threes group performed songs such as 'Thank You Lord' , 'Want To Be More' , 'Unconditional Love' , 'We'll Sing Our Own Song' , her powerful empowerment anthem 'Black Woman' and 'Many Are Called.'  In tribute to her 'Brother' John Holt, she sang 'Tide is High.' She was well received.

Jamaica Jazz and Blues 2015 stage

Son of the late singer Brian Holt, took the stage and performed his father's 'Wear You to the Ball.'  He was later presented with a plaque by the festival's organisers expressing appreciation for the life and work of John Holt.

The vocal trio, The Tamlins gave another signature performance with their tight harmonies carrying on the night air. Among the Holt tracks they performed was, 'Happy Go Lucky Girl' before dropping their show-stopper, 'Baltimore.'

Jamaica Observer writer...reports that the sole encore of the night was left for legendary toaster Josey Wales.  The Colonel was in his usual form and entertained his audience to the mas.  Tracks such as 'Undercover Lover', 'Bobo Dreadlocks' and Leggo Me Hand Gateman had the audience going.

Morgan Heritage

Singer Johnny Clarke who was added to the line-up at last-minute, delivered his second great set on local soil in as many weeks.  The 1970s hitmaker belted out tracks such as 'Rock With Me,' 'Move Up' and 'None Shall Escape The Judgement'  before making way for Soca artiste Oscar B, former frontman for Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires.  He delivered with his Vybez Band.

Night 2, culminates performances by The Pointer Sisters, Charlie Wilson, Peter Cetera and the royal family of reggae, Morgan Heritage.

Excerpts: Jamaica Observer
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