'Let Live Music Live' thrills in the park

Tarrus Riley, Dean Frazer and Lamont Savory are just a few of the career musicians who combined forces on Tuesday evening the in sixth staging of the annual Christmas-time concert, Let Live Music Live.

Born from the past practice of musicians of Frazer's generation meeting monthly in the park to conduct full-band jam sessions, Riley has revitalised the concept by hosting a free concert with the support of agreeable young artistes and a few of their seniors.

The evening was next generational, with a number of the performers belonging in the categories of contemporary and rising artistes.

One smooth and delicate crooner and deliverer of effortless slurs, Samory-I, had the ladies squealing in excitement with his performance of his hit single, African Daughter.

His haul-and-pull-up came a cappella style, with the tingling accompaniment of an acoustic guitar at high points - and a delivery of pristine, soothing tonality.

Ranoy Gordon encouraged a similar response, serenading the crowd in a melodic whispery rasp. Gordon sang his first single, Best Friend, but only after revealing admirable skill with an impressive cover of Beres Hammond's No Goodbye.

Romain Virgo was another sensational performer who unleashed a tireless set and took the opportunity to show respect in singing a cover of Queen Ifrica's Lioness on the Rise.

"I've never received a gift in my life before. I knew what was there before I opened the gift," Riley told THE WEEKEND STAR during one of his few moments to pause backstage.

Other performers included Pentateuch, NoMaddz, The A-Game, Bugle, and Bella Blair.

The concert was held against the backdrop of promoting a crime-free Christmas, with the hashtag flashing onstage.

William Mahfood, chairman of Wisynco, said it was their sixth year hosting the concert.

"We are excited to once again partner with Tarrus Riley and the Blacksoil and the entire crew on the promotion of a better Jamaica through less crime ... and we're very excited because at the end of the day, we want to focus, as a Jamaican company, on what is truly the essence of Jamaica, which are the people, the music, or sports, the arts. All of those things are really what makes us who we are as a people."