Laura Izibor performed an excellent set at Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival

Photos by Janet Silvera
silverajanet@hotmail.com

Laura Izibor , Irish recording artist, musician, songwriter and producer, came to Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival 2011 not only as a relative unknown but also was billed on closing night ahead of current reggae star Tarrus Riley, American songstress Natalie Cole and international acclaimed, Jamaican-favoured group Air Supply.

A daunting task for any greenhorn but by the end of a riveting 45 or so minutes on Saturday, January, 29th patrons were overheard suggesting that Turn Key Production, organizer of the annual festival, brings her back for an encore next year.

Arriving centrestage during a nagging, intermittent rain, Laura Izibor was excellent in returning life to a rain-drenched event.

Still, nothing less should have been expected from an artist whose music has been compared to recording artists Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keys and whose writing talent draws comparison to that of Carole King and Joan Armatrading.