GREGORY Isaacs’ 62nd birthday was marked with a colourful party at Studio 38 in St Andrew, Sunday night.

Coinciding with its first anniversary, the Gregory Isaacs Foundation put on a memorable tribute to the ‘Cool Ruler’ free of cost to the public, dubbed ‘Hats on to Gregory’.

The high point of the evening was veteran singer Stranjah Cole, who created a musical ‘bangarang’ with his ska renditions. Cole rocked the Trafalgar Road venue with When I Call Your Name and Ruff and Tough, earning the show’s only encore. Tarrus Riley also excited the crowd, as did Luciano and Cocoa Tea — who alternated with some of their biggest hit songs.

As expected, Gregory Isaacs sound-a-likes also made their mark. ‘Dress-a-like Junior Sinclair’s entire stint was focused on the lovers’ rock legend who died in October 2010. Having entertained the crowd with Top Ten, Number One, Love Overdue, Front Door, Tune In, Mr Brown and Night Nurse, Sinclair displayed Isaacs’ personal hat and cuff links which he said were given to him by Isaacs’ mother.

Lukan I from David House could have been mistaken for Isaacs with his performance of Top Ten while Asanti Amen went over well with Rumours and Dennis Brown’s Ghetto Girl. Bongo Herman, the veteran percussionist, was another crowd favourite.

The Roots Radics Band, Isaacs’ former recording and touring outfit, also delivered well, so too veterans U Roy, John Holt, Big Youth, Tappa Zukie, the Mighty Diamonds, Tinga Stewart, George Nooks, and Edi Fitzroy.

Source: Jamaica Observer