Three days of 'The Art of Music' begin

Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

The 2011 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival gets into its big three days - Thursday, Friday and Saturday - of an extended festival at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium this afternoon. Each day, the gates open at 4:30 p.m. for the early birds, who will catch great talent on the Heineken Star Talent Stage at 5 p.m. Then all eyes are on the main stage at 6 p.m.

This evening, the main stage hosts a blend of the Mr Biggs of music Ron Isley, Diana King who adores the Shy Guy, Brenda Russell's enthralling songwriting ability (she composed Piano in the Dark), Alison Hinds' and her exquisite Roll It hind and the uncompromising jazz of The Paul Peress Project.

The huge quintet Maroon 5 headlines tomorrow's main stage show while Regina has long been the Belle of many Jamaicans with Baby Come to Me and Make it Like it Was. Another quintet, Tavares, will not be outdone, sporting the uptempo ode Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel. It is a night of groups, SWV weighing in on the ladies' side, and it should be an emotional night for Richie Stephens after the very recent tragic loss of his musical protégé, Copper Cat.

Jamaica Jazz and Blues 2011 closes on Saturday with Natalie Cole, whose technologically facilitated combinations with her smooth father Nat King Cole have been truly Unforgettable. Air Supply is no stranger to Jamaica, but proof of their enduring appeal is in the repeat showings on Jamaica Jazz and Blues as well as in Kingston, where they have made music and love out of nothing at all. Laura Izibor's name may not have the instant recognition factor, but there is no discounting a lady who Rolling Stone Magazine has named a artiste to watch, her voice drawing comparisons with greats of two generations - Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keys.

Infectious tunes

Committed goes a cappella with outstanding harmonies, the Silver Birds Steel Orchestra taps out infectious tunes, winning gold at the World Champion-ships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, California.

On the talent stage over the three days are guitarist-turned-solo-artiste Bryan Art, Chanti-I, pianist extraordinaire Dennis Rushton who has recently formed his own 'Q' band, HeadKnock Band, Leba (daughter of reggae legend Toots Hibbert), Nina Karke and Richie Ramsay, who is unflinching on his musical mission.

The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is in its second year at Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium, after moving east from its Montego Bay home.