Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

With very low attendance and a dance floor empty save for one lady who sometimes rocked it solo, Sunday night's Memories by the Score at the Grog Shoppe, Devon House, St Andrew, was a listening affair.

However, while it was an extreme flop in terms of a party atmosphere and crowd support, from a totally musical standpoint it was worthwhile attending. DJ Byron spun some quality tunes that are not well worn on the oldies circuit regulars, along with time-honoured favourites.

It was mostly soul while The Gleaner was at the Grog Shoppe, the slow rockers closing off with two versions of The Itals' In A Dis Ya Time. At a table near The Gleaner, one lady was talking loudly about how she deals with getting 'bun' ("as a woman, certain tings me nah go do") and a young couple stood at the entrance to the Grog Shoppe's courtyard, licking depleted ice-cream cones as they held hands.

They eventually took a seat as the beat changed to R&B, the songs getting extended play. The Blues Brothers crooned I've Never Found a Girl, followed by The Entertainer. The transitions between songs were good and the tempo was kept consistent.

Entertaining appearance

One lady's appearance seemed entertaining to the few there, her little black dress emphasising protruding bottom and stomach and contrasting with her short red hair and a large silver handbag matching her high-heeled shoes.

She apparently agreed with the music, Feel Good All Over.

There were a couple restarts, among them Take a Little Piece of My Heart, and DJ Byron dropped two versions of Do For Love to good effect. And The Girl Is Mine was about as close as he got to the present musically.

With the varied foliage strategically lit, the venue has an inviting atmosphere. Unfortunately, not many people came out on Sunday night to experience it.

Memories by the Score is at the Grog Shoppe, Devon House, on the first Sunday of every month.