The Rumjungle... was musically hot

Western Bureau

PATRONS OF The 'Rumjungle', the non-gambling side of the Coral Cliff Gaming Lounge, were taken on a rich musical journey on Friday night courtesy of Impulse, the complex's resident band.

With the appreciative audience, a mix of locals and visitors urging them on, the seven-member band - five instrumentalists and two vocalists - unleashed a grand mix of golden oldies, soothing reggae and pulsating calypso.

Taking the stage at 9:30 p.m., the band nattily attired in black leather pants and flashy white silk shirts, immediately caught the audience's attention as female singer, the energetic Denise Williams, offered a sweet rendition of the Studio One classic, Perfidia.

With appreciative shouts erupting from the audience, the dreadlocks male singer Mark Lowe joined the fray and lifted the tempo higher as he dazzled with songs such as Inner Circle's Sweat, Shinehead's Golden Touch and Beres Hammond's, Tempted to Touch.

The instrumental side of the band, which featured Winston 'Zana' Birch -keyboard, Daniel Davis - lead guitar, George Geddes-Thomas - drums, Walter 'Wappa' Minto - bass guitar and Daniel Barker-Phoenix - saxophone, also sparkled on their own.

Following a break, the band reached unbelievable heights in the final segment with the musicians dancing up a storm and Williams and Lowe taking turns at reeling off songs such as Land of Love, Harambee, Money In My Pocket and Love Has Found Its Way.

As the music flowed sweetly from the musicians to the audience, a few visitors left their seats and challenged the entertainers for attention by dancing up a storm in the spacious Rumjungle. One burly male visitor, who got involved in a merry 'jig' with the versatile Williams, who proved to be as good a dancer as she is a singer, had to be rescued by his female companion.

"I have another week here in Jamaica and I am gonna spend it right here in the 'jungle'," said the almost breathless visitor, as he was led towards a seat. "I have not had this much fun on any vacation."

As the mid-night hour approached, the band closed their impressive set by treating the audience to a lesson in dancing. It was all dazzling footwork as they danced while the sweet vocals of Williams and Lowe poured out a medley of calypso hits.

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