Wright
Three years ago, 'Live Music' started at Christopher's Jazz Café. Through this event, the New Kingston-based café not only offers its patrons a taste of cabaret entertainment, but provides a setting for young talented artistes to gain experience and exposure.
Last week Thursday, Keisha Wright, an upcoming vocalist, was the featured act. There was little evidence that her musical career was a fledgling one. She was entertaining and at times exploitative of the intimate setting by getting close to her audience in a playful manner.
great voice control
In her second stint at Christopher's, her performance included reggae, jazz and gospel songs. With great voice control, she advised patrons People Get Ready and Change Gon' Come, excited them with Feel Like Jumping, soothed them with Summer Time and teased with I Was Lonely. Her two-set presentation lasted for approximately two hours.
But this talented Jamaican is not your ordinary upcoming artiste. She is the holder of a bachelor's degree in psychology and international relations from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and a master's degree in criminology from Sheffield University in England. With such an impressive résumé, her move to pursue a lifelong dream as a professional singer is met with scepticism.
very persistent
"People perceive me as someone who should not be in the industry. They think I am fooling around, so I have to be very persistent," Wright said.
Additionally, like a number of Jamaican female artistes, she must overcome gender discrimination. The music industry is male dominated and "by virtue of gender", she believes that she too is marginalised. "There is no balance of power," she noted.
But such shortcomings will not deter her, as she said she is driven by her "inherent passion for music".
"I will always sing," she said in a gentle, yet firm, tone. "My singing brings pleasure to others. It is unfair not to give it a chance to flourish."
give guidance cautiously
But the strongest convert will always welcome advice and support. For Wright, this comes from different persons, among them are her parents. They "give guidance cautiously" as they still want her to pursue a career as a lawyer. It is unlikely that will happen any time soon, as Wright is a part-time student at the School of Music at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.
One of the high points of Wright's singing career is her first collaboration with the internationally-renowned Beenie Man on the album covers, which was released in Japan in 2006.
Wright was not the only talent on show at Christopher's last week Thursday. Her backing band, a collective group of musicians: Ozoune (keyboard), Shurwayne (bass) and Akil (drum), were also there to showcase their pedigree. Their music created an idyllic ambience for the after-work patrons but their display of skills and talents belied one of the main challenges. Not being members of the same band, Ozoune explained "the challenge is to maintain a high standard with one rehearsal". They had a two-hour rehearsal the day before.
'Live Music' is a collaborative effort between Christopher's Jazz Café and Mo Muzyk Pros, who took over the baton in January. Ozoune, one of the Mo Muzyk Pros member, said the "wild card factor is the best part of the show, when the chemistry of the performers connects."
Brian 'Ribbie' Chung, proprietor of Quad, is passionate about keeping live music alive.
vehicle of opportunity
"Jamaica music is huge. We do not remember what we have," he said. "It is a vehicle of opportunity. Where else, other than the hotels, provide live music consistently?"
"This intimate forum allows performers and audience to share the same space," he continued.
However, there may be one problem, as observed last Thursday. The venue is enclosed and some patrons were smoking. This may be a deterrent to some people and, from all accounts, it is not likely to be stopped soon. "I would love the venue to be smoke free. I do not smoke but until a ban on indoor smoking is legislated there is nothing I can do," said Chung.