visit of jazz greats Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff.

But the key to the appeal of this veteran pairing is their belief in keeping it simple and soulful.

As Crawford told the crowd at the Ruth Seaton James Theatre: "We try to play music you can relate to, we don't try to get too technical.'' And they certainly had me gripped, right from the opening number, a shuffle which had the audience grooving only to find the rug pulled from under them as the band paused for a few beats before resuming.

McGriff drew whoops from the audience as he proceeded to "kick it up a notch'' as Emeril would say.

It's no wonder Bermuda is proving a hit with some of the music world's finest -- Stanley Turrentine played in March and Kenny Burrell, Freddie Hubbard and Lonnie Smith are due at the Bermuda Jazz Festival later this year -- audiences here love the music and aren't afraid to show it.

An exquisite intro by guitarist Wayne Boyd on a slow blues drew an awed: "Oh stop it,'' from one fan before McGriff stoked up the instrumental with his huge, powerful sound.

Boyd took the vocals for the Lionel Ritchie classic `Easy' and then managed a duet with himself as he aped his guitar lines by simultaneously singing them.

A soulful Teddy Pendergrass number was followed by `Don't Deceive Me (Please Don't Go)' off Crawford and McGriff's excellent 1999 album `Crunch Time'.

Crawford, who played with Ray Charles in the 1950s and 1960s, got to stretch out, his sax soaring and swooping.

Another `Crunch Time' number followed. `Bowlegs', began with staccato jabs from Boyd and McGriff with the pair doubling up on some lead runs to stunning effect.

It was then McGriff's turn to go solo, something he did expertly despite chatting to compere Derick Simmons.

A languid, soulful number followed before the band launched into `Everything Must Change', and then left the stage to a well-deserved standing ovation.

Support band Collaboration, an ad hoc combination of some of Bermuda's finest jazzmen, also deserve a mention for a typically accomplished set.

The five-piece group, featuring saxman Jade Minors, drummer Tony Cox, keyboardist Tim Barrie, guitarist Derick Simmons and bassist Brian Swan opened for Stanley Turrentine and drew well-deserved plaudits.

Now it looks like they may come together for the Bermuda Jazz Festival.

Crowd numbers for McGriff and Crawford seemed slightly down on those who saw Turrentine.

For those stay away music fans I say this -- you missed a treat.

MATTHEW TAYLOR REVIEW REV THEATRE THR