Old hits stole the show

THE EVER-MOVING LIME Hott 95.3 FM Cavalcade rolled up to the Emerald City car park on Saturday night with offerings from both young and veteran artistes with mostly hits of the past and very few possible hits for the future.

The event started with the usual cultural presentation this time by the steel and folk group Olakunde, followed by the Rose Hill Tuk Band.

Shortly after the large crowd was introduced to the Parish ambassadors for St. Michael and St. Philip who were quizzed by MC Jamar Browne, unnecessarily so because it was not a competition but a mere introduction. The Q&A seemed more like an opportunity for Browne to showcase his knowledge rather than enhance the ambassadors’ showing.

Backed by the De Unit band the first time performers made their Cavalcade debut to sometimes lukewarm reception - namely Amaul with Tripping Over You and Paula Dion with Last Man Standing which is catchy but is overshadowed by her obvious lack of experience.

However, it was Bling Kitten the crowd seemed to run hot for, her song Ice Cream though not spectacular musically or lyrically seemed to please the audience as she did her version of the banana split (acrobatics never seen on a Cavalcade stage before) and offered instructions on the best way to lick and in some instances suck on an ice cream.

Highlights of the night were Classic with Mascoll and Ah Want a Raise, Calendar Girl who performed Get On and Push Back was a stark contrast to the ‘newbies’ as was old hand Shawnie with Slaughter. Meanwhile, Villain’s Soca Screechie a collaboration with Jewel is a catchy number with strong echoes of the Jamaican dancehall version of Jim Screechie performed by Spice.

John and Nard were their inimitable self with Extension Cord, Clock Wuk and the La La Song whileSalt and Gorg tagged team performing See Me and Don’t See Me, Keep Drinks Coming and Vex Fare respectively. Natahlee’s What We Do and Sun To Sun still sound as fresh as when they were first released.

It was the stalwarts who closed the show, first on was Pompey with his signature shuffle and the classics Doctor Doctor and Biting Vampires; reigning Calypso Monarch Gabby performed Dr. Cassandra and Boots, while Grynner performed Leggo I Hand and Wait for Me.

All in all this cavalcade lacked sparks, one wonders if they have been reserved for the final which is slated for next Saturday, June 04 at the National Stadium starting at 8:00 pm.