Stunning Vocals At Pure Jazz Ladies In Concert

By Coretta Joe  Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival  2024 is the place to be. The sold-out  Pure Jazz — Ladies in Concert, held at The Pavilion on the Ramp, was a magical experience with soul-stirring performances that evoked a feeling of deep appreciation for the genre. The four leading ladies, Shannon Pinel, Christa Bailey, Vaughnette Bigford and Samara Joy, all effortlessly commanded the stage during their respective sets.  The two local belles from Saint Lucia, Pinel and Bailey, showed off their captivating vocal range in their early performances as they belted out immaculately arranged music to an appreciative audience. Elegantly attired in a royal blue, Pinel’s voice was crisp and clear as she sensually crooned and transported all in attendance to a mythical place, especially when she sang Dark Magic.  Christa Bailey shimmered in gold and delivered an awe-inspiring performance, garnering applause after every song. She enjoyed herself on stage, which endeared her to the patrons. Her covers included Jill Scott’s He Loves Me. The accompanying band featured the legendary Ronald Boo Hinkson on guitar.  Speaking to the media backstage, they enthusiastically encouraged visitors and locals to return to the festival next year because “no one does it like...