Jovani Davis reports for Caribbean National Weekly (CNW):
International Jazz and Opera singer Marie-Claire Giraud made a powerful and long-awaited return to her homeland on Sunday, May 4, taking center stage at the 15th annual Jazz ‘n Creole Festival, held at the historic Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Prince Rupert’s Bay, the Bronx-raised, Dominica-born artist delivered a magnetic performance that reminded many why she’s become a global jazz force.
Dressed in “creole sunset chic” and styled by local designer Bella Noir with a handbag by Tres Chic, Marie-Claire embraced the night’s theme with elegance and pride. “I’m happy to be home and to sing jazz in the land of my birth,” she told the cheering crowd, drawing warm applause before launching into a dynamic set that bridged her Caribbean heritage with her international artistry.
Opening with a sultry rendition of “Fever” — infused with a bassline nod to Grace Jones’ “My Jamaican Guy” — Marie-Claire captivated the audience with jazz classics like Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” and “Caravan.” She delivered a fiery take on “St. Louis Blues,” channeling the raw emotion of Bessie Smith, and softened the mood with a heartfelt version of Buddy Johnson’s “Save Your Love for Me.”
Her original piece, “Chasin’ Rainbows,” was a standout moment. “It’s about never giving up on your dreams. No matter how fierce the storm, there’s always a rainbow at the end,” she shared. [. . .]
Launched in 2010, Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole Festival has become a signature event that fuses jazz with Creole rhythms, while promoting tourism and economic activity in Portsmouth. This year’s lineup also included Jamaican reggae powerhouse Etana, trumpeter Etienne Charles, and Dominican acts like Colton T, Signal Band, Carlyn XP, Swingin’ Stars Band, Shalina, Marie Pascale, and Abiyah Yisrael. [. . .]
For full article, see https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/entertainment/marie-claire-giraud-makes-dazzling-debut-at-dominicas-jazz-n-creole-festival/