It took a couple of days to recuperate from the adventure that was Reggae Sumfest 2009. Truth be told in an economic environment like the one in which we are presently mired they promoters should be ecstatic with the turnout and the success of the event. In the 3-4 years in which I have attended these were certainly the largest crowds I can recall.
Production wise they need to figure out how to make the band changes faster or to have better entertainment during the band changes....with such a long programme it's agonizing to wait in-between performances….it gives the pain in your feet (from lack of sleep and long nights covering the event) an acute opportunity to be felt.
There were some very noteworthy performances over the Friday and Saturday nights....that is apart from the highly touted performance by Tito J. On Friday night we can say that Keri Hilson brought it.....apart from being beautiful (not a prerequisite for a good performance) she thoroughly entertained the audience and showed off her range of talent -- from a strong voice to some engaging dance moves with her crew. She was also a delight to meet and interview.
While Jazmin Sullivan's vocal performance was impressive I am at a loss as to why her ‘people’ (as Ellen says) didn't wake her up in time to do hair, makeup and wardrobe before she hit the stage. It was actually distracting because it's a long time since I saw someone that accomplished look that dowdy on a stage. I mean Jamaica may not be the Grammy's but that's not a getup I would've recommended beyond the (very) local convenience store! On top of that, of all the performers at the show, her ‘people’ were the least accommodating to the media backstage....go figure. She has a powerful voice and is clearly passionate about her music.......but the (lack of) makeup and the duds were distracting from her impressive vocals.....phew!
The star of Friday night and one of the most memorable performances for the entire weekend was Neyo. He clearly embraces his stardom -- not in a pompous manner but he exudes control on the stage and was clearly teasing the many women in the audience with his on-stage flirting and antics. I was thoroughly impressed with his performance and interaction with the crowd and not the least his dance moves......that he channels MJ is not a new observation but it was incredible to watch how even his little nuances and movement across the stage were influenced by the Gloved Wonder (RIP).
I have to say I was completely busted by the time Friday night was done......the mind is clearly stronger than the body but I wasn't going down without a fight! Not to mention when you look at some of the patrons in the various VIP booths who were there -- some nearly twice my age (wonder how much longer I will get to say that and be honest) -- they were rocking strong until the end every night!! I mean really........I had to remind myself that I am a Trini.....we ARE the energy people!! While I would have loved nothing better than to catch up on some zzz's in preparation for the final night/morning duty called me (not exactly kicking and screaming) to a press conference with Toni Braxton at the Ritz Carlton.
Despite the list of do's and don’ts apparently prepared by TB's 'people' (so we were told) she was quite easy going and seemed quite willing to answer questions (beyond the one per media house) nor did she seem to object to the flash photography (despite that being on the blacklist). Well I have to say it was many many years coming but I was elated to finally get the chance to meet Toni Braxton in person. She was lovely and very friendly......and seemed quite excited about her upcoming performance -- the first performance in a year since her heart problem was first diagnosed (she now has a clean bill of health).
So we lumbered on to the evening's performances.....back at a venue which seemed 'old' at this point such was the wear and tear caused by the fatigue.....at the same time there was a great measure of anticipation for the performances to come this Saturday evening. I have to say there was a perceptible difference in the fashion statements made this Saturday (International Night II) from the Thursday (Dancehall Night). From the (way too) tight and (way too) short garments that pervaded on the Thursday night to an array of designer garb that marked the presence of Jamaica's well-heeled!!
Toni B had some technical challenges - it would seem the monitors at the front of the stage were not functioning properly so that while those in the back could hear well, at the front her vocals were disappearing into the sound of her band......in an effort to 'soldier on' she even did a cameo playing the keyboard herself in an effort to plow ahead (sans the band which was crowding out her vocals on the monitors). While there was some disappointment at not hearing her at full tilt she was sufficiently good to punch her admiration card in my book! I can’t wait for the new album (to be released later this year).......
Also performing on the night was Tito J.......we were originally looking for the Jacksons but that didn’t materialize for whatever reason. Actually speculation was rife earlier as to what / how Tito would to perform when his role with the Jacksons was playing guitar; there was also some early speculation (hope) that he wouldn't do a disservice to MJ with some piss poor rendition of any of his songs. To his credit Tito did his thing. He performed with his Blues band and it was surprisingly entertaining.....his music would seem better suited to Jazz and Blues which is probably what Robert Russell was whispering to him (mid-set) when we saw Tito mouth "W-H-Y" just before they called the performance a wrap! To be fair even if the promoters brought him down for the fanfare and the media hype that was created (which was clearly effective with Good Morning America, Access Hollywood all flying in to cover) (not to mention Ocean Style Magazine - smile) he did a good job.....clearly this is a family that is defined by a couple of incredible talents but which just has an abundance of God-given talent....
I do hope they promoters think seriously about having Tito back for Jazz and Blues I feel confident that the audience there will thoroughly appreciate his music.
The morning was brought home by none other than Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley......who showed why he was a Marley in every sense.......his voice stirs so many memories of his father.....rapper Nas performed with him and there folks is where I sign off on Sumfest 2009. I am hopeful that for 2010 they tighten up the production somewhat so that it flows smoother (and ends earlier) but all in all a commendable production and kudos to the promoters!
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