Through ironically colourful colourblind eyes....

This past weekend saw some of this Island's biggest simmering talents showcasing their skills at Live On Stage, a concert put on by MG. I say simmering because even though none have yet achieved the fame of an Alaine or a TOISIS this does not mean that they cannot hold their own, or even outclass, said known Jamaican artists. The show featured Natalie Spence who does background vocals for the likes of Cezar, Ellan Edwards, an up and coming vocalist who has her roots in the University Singers and brings a unique performing style to the stage, MG himself, live bands Rocky V and Airplai, the Choir Boyz, and special guest artists Camar and Benjy Myaz. Dont let the "background vocals" title fool you as Natalie can more than hold her own up front and center, though I think we audience members were a bit cheated Sunday evening as her mic seemed to have been a bit low. Both Steve Madden and the star himself MG sing backup for Rocky V, however MG took to the stage solo rocking the audience with a mix of reggae and soul, starting his set with an original piece. Steve Madden surprised the audience with a big voice doing a rendition of "Bring it all home to me", and once he gets more experience on the stage will definitely be a force to reckon with. Rocky V, a fast rising band that has graced the small stage at Air J Jazz and Blues, and Airplai, one of the best bands around, showed with their performances that the live band scene in Jamaica is a thriving one. Closing the show and bringing the house down along with them were the Choir Boyz, from which this all started. All the group members had their roots in Campion College Choir, and as a past member of the choir myself, have watched them develop musically over the years. The biggest inspirations to me are Chris and MG, Chris gone full time as a musician and MG heading there. Truly amazing to see where they are now.

Ive been going to a number of live shows for the past few weeks now, from the regular live performances at Village Cafe and Xcape to Tessane Chin and Robert Dubwise. It is not a common thing nowadays to go to a live show and you get more than your money's worth, and that is exactly what happened this weekend. Apart from a few visible hitches the quality of the musicians themselves were top notch. And the only motivation for these individuals to keep growing and to keep reaching higher and higher for excellence, is a genuine love for their craft.

This show for me was further proof that Jamaica is rife with talent.

P.S mi VEX sey Airplai never perform on Sunday..VEX!! I been hearing so much about this band and somehow keep missing their shows :(