Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Music fans were treated to a delightful performance at a picturesque Arad Fort as jazz legends Ramsey Lewis and Philip Bailey showcased exactly why they have earned countless awards and accolades over their long careers.
Entering the stage to rapturous applause, Lewis and his band performed extended medleys encompassing numerous genres including soul, funk and gospel. Defying his 78 years with a lively performance on the piano, he stopped intermittently to acknowledge the crowd and his energetic ensemble, which impressed with extremely tight rhythms on a plethora of instruments.
The excitement notably stepped up a notch midway through the show as Bailey was introduced to an eager audience, who clapped with obvious enthusiasm throughout his opening number. The singer further illustrated his fantastic vocal ability as his distinctive falsetto echoed around the arena, accompanied by Lewis’ soulful playing behind him.
The obvious peak of the evening was during the rendition of the classic song September, originally recorded by Bailey and his band Earth, Wind & Fire. The spectators needed little encouragement as they rose to their feet and sang along with vigour, their enthusiasm obviously resonating with the musicians as they continued with an extended back-and-forth during the final chorus.
The evening reached its denouement with one final bouncy medley, before Lewis and Bailey bowed before the appreciative patrons and exited to a standing ovation. The beaming smiles adorning the faces of those filing out the arena indicated that Bahrain’s Spring of Culture continues to be a resounding success.
-Kristian Harrison
