Ernie Smith (left) and Pluto Shervington draw from their catalogue of hits last week Thursday at Blue Beat by the Sea. - Photo by Sheena Gayle
Western Bureau:
WITH MORE than three decades of experience in the music business, the ever-entertaining Ernie Smith continues to keep his reggae fans plugged into the hits that once propelled him to success in his music career.
Performing in the intimate setting of Blue Beat by the Sea and near the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea, at an Unplugged Series in Montego Bay, last Thursday, Smith and his musical colleague Pluto Shervington showcased why they have lasted this long in a fierce music business.
Grand singalong
From being afraid of a Duppy or Gunman or confessing All For Jesus, Smith unleashed his catalogue of hits spanning as far back as the 1970s. Things were not Pitta Patta for this reggae icon, as his song, Life is Just for Living, had the capacity audience rocking the night away and engaged in a singalong.
Shervington complemented Smith's knack to entertain as the two sang Ram Goat Liver, which drew a couple of laughs because of the witty lyrics. But the comical and undeniably entertaining Shervington could not sing his other songs before doing the crowd favourite, Your Honour. The song, which was a huge hit on the local and international scene in the 1980s, was as popular at Unplugged as it was back then.
Love for performing
The two had the opportunity to pause at regular intervals during their two-hour performance to talk to the audience, an opportunity Smith relishes.
"This was how I first started my career," he said in reference to the intimate setting at Blue Beat by the Sea. "I love performing, so whether it is in front of thousands of persons or a few hundred, I love what I do."
Smith is currently working on a gospel album and will be performing with his son's Resolvers Band in the United States of America in September.
The Unplugged Series has featured the likes of Tessanne Chin, Tami Chynn and Tanya Stephens. Every two months the Blue Beat also hosts a comedy series (upcoming acts for September are Christopher Daley and Ragashanti).
sheena.gayle@gleanerjm.com