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Did Whitney disappoint fans? The sun is shinning bright and it's HOT, HOT, HOT!! Team TJJ landed on the Plymouth Recreation Grounds before Sunday's kick off time of 5pm to the astonishment of the Jazz officials. Don't sleep ... "A" is for Action!! Today we're really looking forward to seeing both Whitney Houston and Rod Stewart, especially since Whitney is working on making a comeback in the business after dealing with both marital and drug issues. Why Bobby, why? This was actually her 1st performance in the western hemisphere, with her last performance being in Malaysia last December.

Before seeing the big wigs, patrons were treated to lively performances by Tobago's very own Princess Adana (you go girl) and the soulful duet 2'Ntrigue. Around 6:30pm, hosts Adrian Don Mora and Jus Jase (radio personalities on Ebony 104FM), got the audience revved up for the only artist to chart seven consecutive #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits .... yes, R&B diva Whitney Houston ... undoubtedly one of the greatest singing sensations of all time!! Unfortunately, our spirits (along with the rest of the working media) were dampened as we were instructed by Jazz officials that Houston's management demanded that no photographs were to be taken!! Are you kiddin' us??!!! This was one of the main reasons we came!! If yuh hear the loud cheups!!! And to make matters worst, we were later informed that photos of Rod Stewart could only be taken from the light/sound scaffolding some 500ft away from the stage for the two-song limit. The drama continues!! With the bearing of the bad news, all foreign and local press were sent to the general admission area. Talk about nonsense!! We might as well have bought VIP tickets - this way we could have at least enjoyed the performances!

Okay enough 'salt' ... back to the concert. In her single shoulder strap white gown, Whitney Houston got her set rolling with "It's Not Right, But It's Okay" before signing her hits like "Saving All My Love", "Your Love Is My Love", "I Will Always Love You" and "I'm Every Woman". Although a lot of folks believe that the days when Houston belted out her classic tunes are officially behind her, and that her 30 minute performance was mediocre (especially considering that she earned $3 million bucks for it), we actually want to applaud Whitney for her comeback efforts. We love you too Whitney .... keep your head up!

In Rod We Trust! Following Houston's short-lived performance was Mr. "Do Ya Think I’m Sexy" Rod Stewart, who rocked the festival with an hour long Rock 'n Roll session. Dressed in a silver jacket with black tie, Stewart give a most interactive performance, allowing the audience to sing along to his arsenal of hits which included, "Nothing But a Heartache", "Downtown Train", "The First Cut is the Deepest", "Maggie May", "Young Hearts" and "Have I Told You Lately". Now we must mention Rod's three back-up singers, who showed astounding range when they performed Tina Tuner's "Proud Mary (Rolling Down the River)". They hit such amazing notes that one couldn't help to compare them to Whitney's earlier performance, with some folks even claiming that the ladies put Houston to shame! And we cannot forget about that sexy blonde who jammed away on her saxophone!! Wowie ... rock it girl!!

Like Elton John last year (see Plymouth Jazz Festival 2007 ... Day 3), Rod Stewart put on a great show with lots of energy, especially considering the man is 63 years old!! He most certainly left the audience cheering for more, some of which were thrilled to have one of the many footballs he kicked into the audience when he sang "Hot Legs". In VIP, we spotted Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam (photo) and former NBA star John Sally (photo) ejoying themselves.

Like Friday night, a local band closed the show .... and we're happy we stayed (Michelle we told ya we were going to show our love and support). Imij and Co. gave what some patrons said was perhaps one of the best performances for the 3-day concert weekend. And like Kes the Band, they also displayed their ability to step outside of the Soca genre pleasing the Jazz crowd with selections like Jordin Sparks ft Chris Brown's "No Air", Sean Paul's "Pepperpot" and Abba's "Dancing Queen". You guys did TnT proud!

There you have it folks, another successful Plymouth Jazz Festival 2008!! And even though last year's festival had more overall vibes, like everyone, we're still anxiously waiting to hear the 2009 line-up. And please, Trini's ... don't start spreading false rumours again!!!

Chooks aka Army of One
TJJ Plymouth Jazz Frontline

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