Entertainment of Tuesday, 8 April 2008

Source: GNA

Jazz and Blues concert captivates motley audience

Ho, April 8, GNA - Jazz and Blues lovers in Ho were taken down memory lane of yesteryears on Monday during a classical musical concert performed by a neo-classic blues duo from the United States (US). The concert was part of the US Embassy's events to celebrate the culture of the Diaspora, with roots from Africa.

The duo of Gaye Adegbalola and Roddy Barnes, recounted the African- American history through contemporary music.

Gaye is said to consider blues "as the poor person's psychiatrist and often finds humour in pain of day-to-day living".

She said Jazz and Blues offered salvation in difficult times. The motley audience comprised heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, traditional rulers and the youth, responded satisfactorily to the songs which included 'I got it bad', 'crazy blues,' 'it hurts me too,' 'money honey,' 'down in my own tears,' 'wild women don't worry,' 'careless love' and 'how can I say I miss you'.

Dr Komla Dzisi, Principal of Ho Polytechnic, described the concert and the songs as "soul healing".

He said though jazz and blues were considered to be elitist music, it was beneficial to anyone who listens to it because it "takes away trouble".