Low turnout for Freddie

WESTERN BUREAU:

EMPTY CHAIRS and a disappointing turnout greeted rhythm and blues star Freddie Jackson, when he walked on stage at 10:50 p.m. at Wavz Negril on Friday night.

Jackson, however, was not disheartened or even slightly perturbed by the numbers since he came to rock the small crowd and this he did without any apologies. The few who ventured out will not forget the scintillating performance the man of soul gave for years to come.

Dressed to impress in a silver- grey double-breasted suit, he glistened from the stage as he belted out Treat Her Like Lady and then switched to Nice and Slow, gyrating his hips to the tune of the song.

Freddie was in his element, letting off sexy animalism that pleased the mainly female audience.

When he sang his history-making number one Tasty Love, the single women in the audience hugged themselves and the couples cuddled closer.

Jackson literally made love to the audience; the moans and groans he made on stage had the women in frenzy. One female was bold enough to dangle her house keys in front of him.

Being a man of God, the singer passed the temptation by pausing to acknowledge the Almighty. "I give thanks to the Lord, I would not be where I am today without guidance and protection from him, I am truly blessed," he said.

With his song Power of Love, he took the audience to the apex, but not before showing up a bevy of lonely women in the audience. Within 45 minutes of the show, the seven-mile beach venue was transformed into a party scene.

The crowd no longer felt comfortable sitting in their seats; while they danced he belted out hit after hit of soul stirring music. Exclaiming he does not act like a "Starched and Perfect" man, he then drew the perfect card from his anthology, Rock Me Tonight.

He rocked the audience real hard.

Reaching deep into his catalogue he pulled his cover version of the Billy Paul hit Mrs. Jones. By now he had the crowd eating out of his hands, kicking up a storm on the beach.

Squeals, cries, and shouts were heard from many of the women.

Freddie Jackson's show cost approximately US$25,000 - US$30,000 and with the low turn out managing director of Wavz, Brian Moo-Young told The Gleaner, a loss was anticipated.

"We scrambled to put this show together after the Magic Johnson Memorial Weekend event fell through, we sort of knew we wouldn't get the support this year, but next year, we will have more time ahead to plan properly. This concert is really a taste of what is to come to Negril," he said.

See Freddie Jackson's interview in today's Star.

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