Smoothness redefined

The Jamaica Jazz and Blues has paired with Red Stripe, a Platinum sponsor of the January 23-29 event.

According to a release from Red Stripe, the smoothness of Jazz is comparable to Baileys, which will have a lounge located in the Gold section of the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium, offering Baileys cocktails "as smooth as the vocals emanating from the stage," the release read.

When it comes to being smooth, few are better at it than Ron Isley, aka Mr Biggs, one of the god-fathers of soul music.

Isley has been a staple of the genre for the last 40 years with his characteristic vocals that seem to massage each note. Isley's mellow sound will fill the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium when he headlines the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival on Thursday January 27.

Isley has dabbled in almost every genre, ranging from R&B, doo-wop, soul, funk and even rock. But his unmistakable delivery has been a constant.

Like most R&B crooners, Isley started out in church and reached the peak of his career as part of family music group, The Isley Brothers. He is as relevant today as he was 30 years ago, mainly because of his crossover to contemporary R&B with the likes of R Kelly. Two of his biggest hits came with Kelly, Contagious and Down Low.

Apart from Isley, other artistes such as Laura Izibor, Maroon 5 frontman, Adam Levine, and Regina Belle, are connoisseurs at delivering that smooth, indulgent sound, which bodes well for one of this year's platinum sponsors, Baileys.

Red Stripe, distributors of Baileys, said the pairing of the world's number one cream liqueur with the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival was seamless.

"The event speaks for itself, having brought some of the best jazz and blues musicians to Jamaica, and we've found that the majority of these patrons at the event are Baileys adorers," said Safia Cooper, Baileys brand manager.

"So while the ear is being satiated by the fluent sounds of the likes of Mr Biggs, patrons can indulge in the delectable delights Baileys will offer."

Baileys is one of three Red Stripe brands that make up the Platinum sponsorship of the 2011 Jazz and Blues Festival.

Also included are Johnnie Walker and Heineken. Heineken will brand the very popular Talent Stage, which will now be known as the Heineken Star Stage, while Johnnie Walker will provide a 'Journey Deep Into Black' for patrons by providing a premium taste experience of its Johnnie Walker Black Label.

Baileys will give away two tickets for each night of the event through its Baileys Jamaica Facebook page. Visitors to the page can win by simply following the instructions on the page, from which one winner will be chosen for each day.

Other major acts for the 2011 Jazz and Blues Festival include Natalie Cole, Diana King, Tavares, SWV and Air Supply.