Natalie Cole
@ Pigeon Island, St. Lucia Jazz Festival
13 May 2007

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The beauty and charm of Pigeon Island during the day, or night, never fails to excite the senses. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Caribbean Sea on the other, delicately lit palm trees gently kissing the sky, combined with the anticipation of a tremendous musical experience is surely enough to warm the coolest hearts.

While many mature patrons gazed at Miss Cole in awe of her youthful looks, younger patrons commented on her perfect choice of colourful full-length patchwork dress. A dress which definitely complimented her svelte figure…and who could miss the large glistening bling on her finger?

Cole waved and smiled warmly as she moved gracefully across the Pigeon island stage. She headed straight for the lone microphone that sat front stage, center. With few words spoken Cole signalled to her band with a glance before launching into old school favourites “I’ve Got Love On My Mind” and “Inseparable”.

Sexy, salsa set the scene for an upbeat “Tell Me All About It”, followed by “Mr Melody”, then the skin-tingling “Unforgettable”, performed with Mr Cole’s unforgettable voice soothing the audience to silence. Kirk Whalum also appeared on stage briefly to add his own style to this unforgettable canvas.

Natalie Cole’s self-penned “Annie Mae”, a real blast from the past, finished with Cole wiping her guitarist’s forehead and pleading for ‘more towels’ as the humidity and warm lights got to her. If She Could See Me Now” followed, accompanied by delicate acoustic guitar from Cole’s musical director, and precise vocal harmony from her backing singers.

Cole continued wooing her audience by digging deep into her gospel repertoire. Pigeon island patrons literally became Cole’s choir.

Cole wrapped up her polished performance with “This Will Be”, leaving patrons of all ages singing and dancing around a moonlit stage…Thankfully not a Pink Cadillac in sight!

A magnificent fireworks display signalled the end of another successful St Lucia Jazz Festival. Many patrons seemed reluctant to leave as they smooched and danced to sounds of soca and Marley blasting from stage speakers. Patrons, stagehands, journalists and local musicians shared stories and passions of festivals past. Thoughts of the 2008 festival and who would be performing was the question on everybody’s lips.

Carole Clemesha & Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio Ltd.