MAN OF THE NIGHT: Johnny CLarke in full flight during his act.By David Dunkley,
Staff Reporter
VETERAN singer Johnny Clarke, was the toast of the singers at Saturday's staging of Heineken Startime vintage show.
The singer gave an electrifying performance at the Mass Camp Village, Oxford Road, Kingston Show.
Clarke who is known as the hit machine of the 1970s, showed exactly why he got that name. He reeled off hit after hit much to the delight of the huge crowd that packed the venue.
The show began before 10 p.m. with MC Keith Brown, calling on young artistes Richie Wonder and Mr. Glamorous to kick off the event. The youngsters did well to get applause.
They were followed by Carl Dawkins who within seconds of entering the stage had the crowd rocking to his songs. In a full red outfit the singer began his set with Baby I Love You then moved on to Part Time Love, Perseverance and others.
His dancing complimented his voice and he was called back for an encore. To thank the crowd he did a reggae version of the hit If Loving You is Wrong.
He was followed by the night's deejay, Dennis Alcapone, who with his back -up group SH-1, delivered tunes such as Better Must Come, Teacher, Care For Me At Alland Fever.
Songbird Marcia Griffiths was next on stage and she did not disappoint. she had the crowd singing and dancing along as she did songs such as There Is A Land, Wanna Be Closer and Fire Burning. She did cover hits such as Don't Make Me Over and No Time To Lose before setting the crowd in a frenzy with Settle Down, Truly and Feel Like Dancing.
She called Bob Andy on stage and they both did a number which had the crowd moving non-stop.
After Andy exited the stage she did other songs before leaving a satisfied crowd.
After a break, singer Owen Gray struggled to maintain the pace earlier set by Marcia. Only two of his songs Sinners Gonna Weep and Mourn and Millie Girl had a great impact on the crowd.
It was up to the Melodians to rejuvenate the crowd. They did not disappoint.
You Have Caught Me Baby, Come On Little Girl, Sweet Sensation and Everybody Bawling were among the songs delivered by the group.
Johnny Clarke was the next act on stage. With locks hanging down his back and his floral blue suit glistening Clarke was like a Chef providing food for a starving group of people.
The hit machine in full gear had the crowd, screaming, jumping, dancing, singing, clapping, firing blanks...the works.
Chi Chi Wow Wow, True Believer in love, Left With A Broken Heart, were only the appetisers provided by the 'chef'.
For the main course he delivered Rock With Me and Move Out (of Babylon) and None Shall Escape.
The crowd was obviously enjoying the meal and when he gave them a dessert of Jah Jah In Deh and Soldier they gobbled them up.
It was Clarke's night and the patrons walked away with souls fully satisfied.
