TOO LATE TO HEAR BARON

AS often happens, raised expectations inevitably bring a few disappointments.

A case in point occurred at the Jean Pierre Complex in Woodbrook on Saturday night where “Caribbean’s Sweetest Voices in Concert” was staged by Randy Glasgow Productions in collaboration with Classic Promotions International. Featured artistes at the special Mother’s Day concert were Jamaica’s Glen Wash-ington, billed as “reggae’s sweetest voice” and this country’s “sweet soca man,” the Baron (Timothy Watkins). A large portion of the several thousand patrons-strong audience (mostly female) gathered at the venue, however, could not stay the distance to experience the performance of Baron, since his set started at 12.40 am Sunday, and he was still belting out his string of hits on stage as we app-roached two o’clock.

It continues to baffle me that promoters advertise having special artistes “in concert” but arrange their playbills in such a thoughtless manner that the “featured” acts take the stage so late (or early in the morning, if you prefer) that by then most patrons had had enough and are seen heading for the exits. Most times guest performers are the ones who appear to be “in concert.” A prompt 8.30 pm start ushered in Saturday night’s first guest performer, Dex-ter Theophile. With tight musical support from the Roy Cape Kaiso All Stars, he opened his account with a smooth rendition of “Here and Now,” made popular by R&B singer, Luther Vandross. His other choices included the late Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” and “Don’t Worry ‘Bout A Thing.”

Then came Shur-wayne Winchester who attempted, with varying degrees of success, to get early audience participation during his offerings that included “Take Your Time,” “Baby Love,” and “Wine However You Want.” Young King Calypso Monarch 2003 Roger George showed off his powerful voice and astonishing vocal range that seemed to nudge the emotions of the many females in the audience during his repertoire of songs, among which was the prize-winning “These Are The Days.” Its musical statements proving, on yet another occasion, that it is not just a “calypso band,” the Roy Cape Orchestra and its frontline singers then entertained with an array of well-chosen selections before we were treated to the saucy, spicy, sometimes questionable, but seemingly appreciated humour of female entertainer Donna Hadad.

It was 10.30 pm when Glen Washing-ton made his appearance and the dancing began. Sweet reggae music drenched the Complex as Washington, backed by his full orchestra, delivered a joyful one and a half hour performance of songs that included “Mr Music,” “Moving On,” “Consider Me,” “Let Jah Be Praised,” “Single Mothers” and “If Loving You Is Right.” Keyboardist and noted musical arr-anger, Leston Paul, joined the Cape orchestra for Baron’s after-the-interval showcase. The bard’s opening selection, “Lady,” served as the invitation for patrons to assemble in front of the stage and engage in their individual expressions of frolic and celebration.Though, by now, most are familiar with Baron’s stock repertoire, the rich texture, style and substance of the music made for renewed enjoyment of favourites such as “Feeling It,” “In A Party,” “Tell Me Why,” “Nobody’s Soldier” and “This Soca Is For You.” He teamed up with Washington to do “Help Me Make It Through The Night” before delving into his medley of love songs, starting with “Fools Rush In” and inclusive of “Dream, Dream, Dream,” “You Are My Special Angel,” “Guava Jelly” and “Red, Red Wine.” His early morning session had those with the fortitude to endure dancing away to their hearts’ content. Show host was radio personality, CG.