The 2008 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival kicked off last night at the Acquaduct Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The sights and sounds of Bob Marley's native land was in full force, in what appeared to be a re-imagined soccer field filled with merchant booths, food courts, music stages and private tents -- all overlooking the ocean.
Grammy Award winning R&B diva Anita Baker did the honors of being the first night's main attraction – and the popular Caribbean island's natives welcomed her with open arms. Wearing her trademark black silky chiffon dress, the 'Caught Up in the Rapture' chanteuse hit the stage roughly at 12:30 a.m. as the second to the last act on a bill that initially kicked off at around 7 p.m. Former Kool & The Gang front-man J.T. Taylor followed.
Though late, the massive crowd grew to a swelling capacity at the outdoor venue seeming to ignite what felt like a universal body heat that can be comparable to a late night sweat-box.
Baker started her hour-long set with an easy, breezy version of her dreamy ballad 'Mystery,' from her 1986 major label debut, 'Rapture.'
"This is only a dress," Baker, visibly moved, explained from the stage. "We are here to work for you. If you want to sing, sing and if you want to dance, dance."
And the crowd did just that; so much so that she started to cry when they launched into her breakthrough debut ballad 'Sweet Love' after hearing her band
From there – with the crowd fully warmed up – the Detroit native took a walk down memory lane, effortlessly rattling off a battalion of her early musical gems, including 'No One in the World,' 'Fairy Tales' and the groovy 'Same Old Love.' (The classic song's music video featured Baker in rolling rink and she simulated the image by gliding on the stage while dancing to the tune.)
She asked 'Where you been Jamaica? It's been too long," before she sang the haunting ballad 'Been So Long.'
Promoters of the festival took a special moment of pause to celebrate Baker's 50th birthday (Jan. 26) with a bouquet of red roses and a whipped cream cake (which she happily left the stage with after her final song).
Towards the end of her rapturous set, her rendition of 'Body & Soul' sent the crowd into a full-on frenzy, specifically when her voice soared at the end of the song.
Smooth and elegant as ever, the somewhat reclusive songstress seemed to be in good spirits during her fist visit to Jamaica in umpteen number of years. The crowd, under the balmy moon shadow, seemed to have had a spiritual experience with her proving that good things do, indeed, come to those who wait.
Comments: (52)
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By: Barbara on 1/25/2008 6:41AM
Thank you, Anita, for proving that you can be successful WITH character, even if others get the accolades and money that you deserved. NOW, everyone realizws that they backed the wrong horse. You, however, had the class and conviction of your talent to not be derailed by by people who weren't really about the music, and got on with your life. I can't say that you're back because for many of us, you never were away.
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By: DarkNLuvly on 1/25/2008 9:29AM
Karu, I love how you've written this article! It really put me right there in the midst of it all...and oh, how I have yearned to be a part
of a memorable concert like that.
I have always loved Anita Baker. All the songs that she did in Jamaica were all my absolute favorites...songs, that I myself had chosen to sing in talent shows some time ago...
Ms. Baker, you are the epitome of everything I've always thought a songstress should be - talented, classy, feminine and soulful - you truly stand in a class all your own...I envy those who were able to enjoy your gift that night....continued success and happiness to you and yours!
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By: Rozita L. Scott-STorrs on 1/25/2008 11:37AM
Kudos to Karu. the charasmatic way you've described the experience Anita Baker underwent, while in Jamaica, makes one feel as though they were there. It is good to know that she has not been forgotten. She is indeed the original songstress of smooth, jazzy, eloquence with a touch of class. Keep up the good work Anita Baker. When are you coming to Los Angeles.
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By: Pat williams on 1/25/2008 12:16PM
Karu Wonderful writing. Anita You bring us all JOY.More from both of you PLEASE.
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By: motheroffive on 1/25/2008 1:46PM
It is absolutely amazing how you have described Anita in Jamaica and I would pay to see that concert if anyone has it on film. Isn't this the modern age of technology, I'm sure a lot of other people feel the same as I do.I mean the cake and all someone put it on the internet please.Love U Anita.
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By: g on 1/25/2008 6:26PM
Just tell me can you still skate?? :-)
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By: John 'JB' Brown on 1/25/2008 7:51PM
Karu thanks so much for this review. Everytime I read a review of one of Anita's shows, chills run through my body. I've seen her a total of 7 times and looking forward to my the 8th, 9th and 100th time. She is the GREATEST; classy, beautiful, talented and sexy. Happy Birthday Anita. Oh yeah, I have your birthday marked in my calendar. You've just begun. Much love and respect to you.
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By: Natalia on 1/25/2008 8:06PM
Anita Baker is a classic and can never be replaced.
http://wrightluxurytravel.com
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By: Israel on 2/06/2008 12:20PM
I want to join in the Anita Baker love fest here. I have been hooked on her style of smooth vocals from her debut when vinyl wax was still king - and still am.
However, I would love to have read something about the local Jamaican acts like, say, Marjorie Whylie? As much as I go ga-ga for the headliners, I am equally interested in the Caribbean Jazz artistes who are the ones to keep the genre alive all year round after the big names have gone back home.
Israel
Woodshed Entertainment Collective
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By: AlwaysHungry on 1/27/2008 10:52AM
Wish I was there. Her songs never get tired over here
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