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Round 2 ... Shakira, Shakira!

After a wicked All Inclusive Jazz Cruise, we finally got off the catamaran minutes after 5pm, hopped in the shuttle back to Mt. Irvine Beach, got into the TJJ mobile and raced home for a quick fresh and change of gear. Well there's no doubt in our minds that my shower will be going down in the Guinness Book of Records for one of the quickest showers in history! The poor bar of soap must be still sitting there all confused, yes! The crew got scattered in the mêlée, but Tobago is only that big ... so we knew we would all safely end up in the same place at the end of the day!

With a larger attendance tonight, the traffic wasn't friendly to us at all as we made our way to the shuttle service area. So we're about 30 minutes late again (all because TJJ doh like to miss anyting!), but fortunately for us, we didn't miss any of the international acts like the previous night, as local band Roy Cape All Stars kicked off the live performances. Blaxx, Olatunji, Trini Jacobs ... another "Breathless" performance!! And even though we were unable to get any flicks of you guys (due to the fireworks blasting off during your set), yuh know TJJ still love all'ya like we love we grandmother cook food on a Sunday!!

The roots reggae musical band that give us hits such as "Steppin' Out", "Tightrope", "Not King James Version" and a personal all time favourite "Life Without Music", then got 2nd gear at Jazz rolling quite smoothly. Steel Pulse has definitely made their mark on both the local and international reggae circuit. The band’s rich, organic sound and lead singer (and guitarist) David Hinds’ perfect rendition of their songs made an impact on the Plymouth crowd. We need to dig up that Steel Pulse 'Smash Hits' CD, yes!

The action continued with RnB group En Vogue, who definitely give us something we could feel. Former Miss Black California Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, Dawn Robinson and Terry Ellis were back at it ... captivating patrons with their soulful voices. And even though the band wasn't backed by live musicians, their 40 minute set which included, "Whatta Man", "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)", "Hold On" and "Don't Let Go" (Set It Off Soundtrack) sounded superb. Both En Vogue and Steel Pulse took the time to meet with the working media on the night.

Without further adieu, it was time for the Colombian bombshell Shakira to hit the stage. And the headliner for the night didn't disappoint one bit!! One could feel the anticipation in the air, and when Shakira sang (well, we actually believed she lip synched for the 1st song) the first few words of "Don't Bother", the crowd was on their feet - ready to party! And then, brrrrrrrrraps .... power failure on stage! Planned or unplanned, Shakira was quite pleasant about the mishap. "The power could go, but I'm not going anywhere", she explained before joining the pianist at the back of the stage for her next number "La Pared". After that, all we could remember was the hottie's trademark gyrations and belly dancing skills. Man, woman or child - everyone was mesmerized!!! Shakira ... just name the honeymoon destination and we'll get the ring and ticket!! The Colombian-born singer delivered her repertoire of hits, not leaving out her breakthrough song "Whatever, Whenever" and her first number 1 single in the US "Hips Don't Lie (ft Wyclef Jean)".

Saturday's show wrapped up around 11:30pm. With the night still young, the lime took to the nearby bars and street pubs. It was some more stress balls to get a shuttle back to the car park, but we eventually caught one after a lil' hike down the road. **TJJ PSA:- Plymouth Jazz Festival Management - there's still some tightening up to be done with the Return Shuttle Service**. Okay, TJJ has All Access passes for The Shade ... so we not stickin' ... movements gentle peoples, movements ...

p.s. There's a new premium ice-cream in town called "Chanson" ... Häagen-Dazs watch out!! Big up the sexy & hard working Chanson girls (photo)! Call us when ready to advertise!!

Chooks aka Army of One
TJJ Plymouth Jazz Frontline

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All Inclusive Jazz Cruise 2008
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