Michael Bolton set for debut Jamaica performance at 2007 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Grammy award-winning superstar Michael Bolton is set to perform for the first time ever in Jamaica next month, courtesy of organizers of the 2007 Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.

Bolton’s performance in Jamaica has been a long time in the making. As a family man and a single parent of three, Jamaica was Bolton’s vacation spot of choice for years. He even learned to snorkel and received his water sport’s certification in this beautiful Caribbean country. But despite invitations from several promoters, a performance never materialized.

But come January 2007, the singer, who has sold over 53 million records worldwide and has become a towering figure in the world of music, will grace a Jamaican stage in Montego Bay at the 2007 Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival. It is an event he describes as “a land mark moment because it is the tenth anniversary” of the festival.

So what can the thousands of fans expect from this versatile performer? “Some great surprises,” said Bolton, ading that he expects to deliver hits like ‘Soul Provider,’ ‘How Am I Suppose to Live without You’ “with some variations” to make them “feel fresh.” And he will add the big band sound and some swing.

Over the last twenty years, the singer and songwriter has lent his unique vocal style to many genres of music, including rhythm & blues, jazz, swing and opera. Bolton, who will be recording two albums in January, says one will be part of his roots and he is going to bring that to the Jamaican stage.

The Connecticut-born artist is also honored by the fact that many of his songs have been re-recorded with a reggae beat by Jamaican artists. Anyone who has heard “Can I Touch You There,” hears the unmistakable one drop reggae feel on that track and his new album, ‘Til The End of Forever,’ includes a slinky reggae version of “Said I Loved You? But I Lied.”
So, can the fans in the land of reggae expect the genre in Bolton’s Repertoire? Bolton says “it very possible” but that is the surprise.

Bolton will join a stellar line of some music’s best Jazz, R & B, Country, Blues and Reggae superstars such as Kenny Rogers, Christopher Cross, jazz instrumentalist Roy Ayers, trumpet virtuoso Chuck Mangione, Pieces of a Dream, ABBA-The Tribute, Blues Icon Robert Cray, world renown Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander, the legendary Russell Tompkins Jr., and The New Stylistics, neo-soul icon Anthony Hamilton as well as “the Art of Reggae” featuring reggae/dancehall all-stars Apollo Lifetime Achievement winner Freddie McGregor, dancehall ‘cool ruler’ Wayne Wonder, crooner Sanchez and mega DJ Shaggy.