R&B Acts Delivered at Summer Soul Jam

subtitle

By Cecelia Campbell-Livingston

In spite of the two-hour late start to the much-anticipated Summer Soul Jam held at the Constant Spring Golf Club on Monday, August 5, the show turned out to be an enjoyable one. The American R&B acts delivered to the delight of the patrons who soon forgot their grouses and really enjoyed themselves.

Millie Jackson was as real as they come. She opened her soul to the audience as she didn't mince words about her life, "Just because I'm alone don't mean I'm lonely," she said which had the women in the audience going wild. Millie was in fine form as she crooned one hit after another. Among her many favourites were 'If You Could See Me Now', 'It's A One Way Street', 'You Can Call Mrs. Johnson' and 'If We're Not Back In Love By Monday'.

Manhattans started the way they meant to go on - by getting the audience involved and singing away with them to favourites such as 'I Never Danced To A Love Song', 'Loving You Is All That's On My Mind', 'Hurt', 'There's No Me Without You', 'Shining Star' and 'Kiss and Say Goodbye'.

The Stylistics showed that they have not lost their touch. They were just as smooth as they sang their popular hits of yesteryear, including 'You're A Big Girl Now', 'Stone In Love With You', 'Bet You By Golly Wow', 'You Are Everything', 'Never Get to Heaven If You Break My Heart', 'Break Up To Make Up' and 'You Make Me Feel Brand New'.

At 2:40 am, the final act for the night, The Temptations, took centre-stage. By this time many patrons were already filing out. But those who stayed back enjoyed such favourites as 'Rainy Night In Georgia', 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone' and 'Just My Imagination'. Many, however, were disappointed at the fact that the Temptations did not sing their most popular songs.

Earlier, 10-year-old Winston, one of the winners from the Karaoke talent contest held leading up to the show, was utterly wonderful as he sang 'I Love You'. His young voice was strong and, held the notes superbly. He really charmed the audience.

MCs were Norma Brown Bell and Cuba Gooding Sr. The show did not come without its hitch as many patrons were disgruntled by the very late start. Delroy Carroll of Solar Entertainment said it was not typical of his productions. He also pointed out that, "I want to apologise to the audience for that lengthy wait to show time. Contrary to rumours, all the artistes were paid. We had some internal matters backstage that had to be ironed out, which we did. To all the sponsors who supported us, I want to apologise. What happened on Monday is not consistent with Solar Entertainment. We will make up for it in the future. Even though it started late, the show took its shape and turned out to be the classy event we promised. All in all, we delivered - we were late but we delivered."

---------------------------------------------

Cecelia Campbell has been in journalism for the past eleven years. She's currently assistant editor at Jamaica's leading weekly tabloid, Xnews. She also writes for other publications, including the Gleaner's North American Weekend Star.