The second night of Jamaica Jazz and Blues 2021. If you missed yesterdays show you can watch it back on Youtube.

Perhaps the most anticipated of last nights rising stars was Joshua Davis. The young musical prodigy who has been accepted to study at the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts in the United States certainly did not disappoint.

His prowess on a number of musical instruments left the virtual audience in awe. Add to that his smooth vocals and you definitely have the making of a future star. Davis jumped from keyboards to drums, to bass and melodic with consummate ease. His vocals on the R&B-tinged Opposites Repel and his jazz take on The Carpenters’ Close to You was noteworthy. His finale with Stevie Wonder’s Superstitious was definitely worth the watch and makes him one to watch for the future.

From the evening’s first note it was clear great things were in store. The night opened with 8 the Band. This boy band formed when the members were all students at local high school Jamaica College, showed that they would live up to the expectations of opening the festival. 8 the Band showed a diversity in their musical selections and their smooth tone and well-arranged harmony made them a treat to listen to.

The tempo switched once Rayven Amani took to the stage. This powerful songstress backed by her Mission Driven Band, brought militancy to the lineup with their brand of strong, roots reggae. They shared Heathen, Black Without Apology, Start a Riot and My Darling which are all original works before rounding out the performance with John Holt’s classic Stick By Me.

Guitarist and vocalist Ken Ellis shared his talents with the jazz audience. His performance was highlighted by a smooth number featuring vocalist Hector Lewis better known as Roots Percussionist. Lewis would return to close the show.

Flautist Keturah Grey added to the diversity on stage. She brought her skills on the popular wind instrument to the fore and even threw in a few numbers on the saxophone for good measure. The tribute to Jamaican popular music which included her rendition, on flute, of Tarrus Riley and Shenseea’s  Lighter was impressive.

Just as impressive was the rock outfit Iron Kyte. Despite the meaning implied in the name of this band their performance did fly as they shook the stage with their brand of Jamaican music.

The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival continues tonight with performances from Bunny Rose, Earth and the Fullness, Moon , Becky Glacier and Lila Ike.