By Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Da'Ville performs 'Always On My Mind' at the press briefing and preview show of 'A Taste of Cannes' for Midem, held at JAMPRO, Trafalgar Road, on Tuesday, January 16. - Winston Sill

After the formalities of speech were over at JAMPRO's Trafalgar Road, New Kingston, head office, on Tuesday night, 10 relatively young performers gave 'A Taste of Cannes' to those gathered in the building's foyer.

Next week Tuesday, January 23, the full serving will be delivered in Cannes, France, as the 'Sounds of Jamaica' showcase runs from 8:15 p.m. to midnight at MIDEM 2007. At the JAMPRO's headquarters there were recorded tracks instead of the live music of Gumption Band, which will support the performers in France, and the performers did one song each.

Herb tief

Deejay Alborosie commented "Me come from Europe an' dem a sen me back', before complaining in song, "Babylon dem tief me herb'', his thick, blonde locks swinging. With Richie B hosting the compressed concert, the performers having a small waterfall behind them, Da'Ville was next with Always On My Mind before Etana sang powerfully of a Wrong Address, showing her vocal staying power on a last "stay".

Jovi Rockwell, as many of the performers did, thanked JAMPRO for the opportunity before singing that 'it's all about love", walking off the stage area to get closer to her audience. Nanko's right hand was pointed straight ahead on the first line of Loco Amor and Oba Simba had to speak and sing through CD difficulties before he could sing "she love the touch, the lion touch, she want it all night long", to whistles and cheers from the audience.

Omar Reid was not in a Pop Song winner-mode, as he sang of his lady who, "she sweet but she ever bun her herb", and Tessane Chin brought the performances to a strong close with Hideaway.

The person who will be closing the full serving of Jamaica next Tuesday night in Cannes, France, was not there on Tuesday night and an upbeat Lloyd Stanbury said normally he would not even be expected to attend MIDEM.

"The fact that Shaggy is on the show is going to make it the number one show on all of MIDEM, for you don't usually see an artiste like Shaggy at MIDEM," Stanbury said. "So the place will be rammed." Shaggy will take the final half-hour of the 'Sounds of Jamaica' showcase.

"Big tings a go gwaan fi Jamaica," Stanbury said. "It is a fresh crop of artistes for Jamaica. In 1997, the last time Jamaica had a big showcase, it was people like Culture, Tony Rebel, Freddie McGregor. In this line-up, only Shaggy is known."

"They are unknown but they are excellent. That is what is going to make the difference," Stanbury said.

Alborosie performs at the press briefing and preview show of 'A Taste of Cannes' for MIDEM. The show was held at JAMPRO, Trafalgar Road, on Tuesday, January 16. - Winston Sill