Mighty Diamonds / Gregory Isaacs Club Show in Kingston

Nice review of the Diamonds and G. Isaacs - also nice is that venues like this are happening in Jamaica. For too long, too many Jamaican artists do not get the opportunity to perform live in Jamaica. Venue alternatives to large stage shows are great to expand visibility.

Like genuine jewels, Diamonds are forever

BY BASIL WALTERS Observer staff reporter

Friday, July 30, 2010

THE vocal trio of Donald 'Tabby' Shaw, Fitzroy 'Bunny' Simpson and Lloyd 'Judge' Ferguson, with their Studio 38 performance last Sunday night, proven without a doubt, that they are indeed, The Mighty Diamonds.

The 41-year-old group, without a recent hit, had patrons at the popular Kingsley Cooper's joint rocking to their vintage recordings as well as a few borrowed tunes thrown in for good measure to enrich a shining performance. It was one that brought back memories of a past era when our sweetest music was at its prime.

With the same membership as when it started in 1969, one of the most enduring reggae triumvirates in their hour-long stint satisfied the capacity-size audience with their evergreen collection of hits from which came Right Time, Have Mercy, Africa, I Need A Roof, Pass the Kutchie, Heads of Government and many others before unleashing their versatility.

In showcasing their varied musical taste and the ability to perform different forms competently, The Mighty Diamonds -- collectively and individually -- entertained by going down lovers' lane imitating the Manhattans' smash There's No Me Without You; with Judge putting up gallant effort on Smokey Robinson's Tracks of My Tears after which Bunny amused with his wonderfully playful attempt of Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World.

Then came another delightful side of the well-loved group of entertainers, taking patrons to church with a medley of Negro spirituals and some hand-clapping, foot-stomping gospel favourites.

At this juncture, Studio 38 was greatly enlivened with The Mighty Diamonds' spirited interactive sing-a-long choruses such as Behold I Live, Amen, climaxing with improvised lyrics like If You Only Knew the Blessings that Rastafari Brings, You'll Never Stay Away.

But it was the Cool Ruler, Gregory Isaacs who, as the opening act, set the pace with his signature appearance and vocal style, a kind of creaking groan that invited the patrons to sing along. Appearing in a black suit, white shirt with tie and his customary black felt hat, the quintessential lover's rock crooner -- in a voice that could melt the thickest glass -- breezed through Number One, Tune In, Top Ten, All I Have Is Love, Love Is Over Due, Night Nurse, The Border, Mi Waan Go Home, Front Door and Rumours.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Like-genuine-jewels--Diamonds-are-forever_7830508