By Tyrone Reid, Staff ReporterDECKED OUT in full white, Keith Anderson, who is better known as Bob Andy, played an excellent musical innings at the Mary Seacole Hall's 'Evening of Excellence' at the University of the West Indies, Mona, St. Andrew on Saturday night.
The veteran, who has 45 years of musical experience, opened his set with Set Me Free. The popular ballad had the patrons rocking in their seats. Bob's delivery was wonderfully backed by the Progression Posse.
The infectious beats not only captivated the audience, they also enthralled Bob Andy, who never hesitated to shake an old leg - 'young boy style' - as he highstepped across the stage.
Bob paused for a second to bless the lovely ladies at the gathering, who were out in their numbers and in their fine threads. He passed on deserving accolades to the women and reminded the patrons that it was International Women's Day.
The short break also served as a point to pay homage to the late Delroy Wilson, who he hailed as one of the unsung heroes of native music. He then went into Wilson's version of Rain From the Skies.
With the audience now fully behind the experienced crooner, he delivered an a capella rendition of a song that he said was written by Elton John. A pin drop would be deafening at this point as the audience listened attentively.
SUPERB DELIVERY
The master musicians of the Progression Posse then bowled another superb delivery which was subsequently hit for six by Bob Andy with a well-executed rendition of My Time, which was accompanied by good foot movements.
Bob's performance almost got sour after he decided to diplomatically cast stones at a specific doctrine of the Christian faith - the receiving of eternal life. One peeved lady in the audience, who seemed to have been enjoying his performance up to the point in question, opined that he should stick to what he does best and not stray.
Although he never heard her he did go back to what he does best and immediately delivered Too Experienced. Things went back to normal, as the audience song along.
Many of the women left their seats and gathered at the back of the Assembly Hall where they showcased their dancing skills. Bob delivered several other crowd-pleasing shots and then retired not out.
However, the audience which obviously had not got enough, chanted for an encore. At 10:10 p.m. he returned to the stage with songtress Karen Smith, who had performed earlier. The grey-headed Bob Andy and the almost teen-looking Karen Smith teamed up on Young, Gifted and Black.
During her set earlier in the night Smith too played several wonderful strokes. In between delivering some solid renditions of One Love and A Woman's Worth amongst other songs, she kept the crowd entertained with her warm personality.
She dedicated Diana Ross' If We Hold On Together to the students of the institution. The selection was met with several high-pitched screams that ricocheted off the walls of the auditorium. Her tranquil style of delivery was tightly embraced by the audience. Smith seemed to be one with the stage, lights, microphone and the melodious beats as she sang from her heart.
Even earlier in the night, before the renowned cabaret singer graced the stage, the audience was treated to a delightful performance from Moses Beckford. Beckford, who is a member of the group QT, delivered hits such as the 1962 song Bring It On Home To Me, a collaboration that originally featured Sam Cooke and Lou Rawls.
At the end of it all, it was safe to say that the audience went home satisfied.
