The sound of the blues swept over Hamilton last night when Bermuda's own Denise Whitter opened a sparkling new, jazz-based show at the Oasis nightclub on Front Street.

Teaming up with Daren Herbert, Elton Richardson and -- wait for it -- Rufus the Puppet, Ms Whitter, who is also producing the show, has come up with an evening of entertainment that should have special appeal for Bermuda's visitors.

"Rufus not only entertains the audience, but he's very informative, talking about our railway trails, St. George's, the ducking stool and Bermuda traditions such as the gombeys, codfish and potatoes, and so on,'' says the multi-talented Denise Whitter.

It is certainly a new departure for the singer who, last year, brought Princess Hotel audiences to their feet for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in `Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill' with the Jabulani Repertory Company.

Equally at home as a comedienne and straight actress, this latest venture would appear to be tailor-made for this versatile performer.

Ms Whitter, who also appeared for several years in the popular show, Time Tunnel, reveals that Rufus, an `old timer', chats with the audience about the days when he worked on Bermuda's little railway (one of his favourite songs is `Travellin' Blues'). "When we first planned this, I have to tell you that Rufus was rather rude but then we heard about this push that our tourism industry is making, so we tamed him down a bit, and got him to talk about things that will keep our visitors entertained,'' explains Ms Whitter."Mind you, a puppet can say things that we can't -- in that respect, he gets away with murder!'' Rufus, the creation of Noreen Young, is a latex, hand-held puppet who is `managed' by Daren Herbert, the talented young singer who starred (with Denise Whitter) in `Once On This Island' and scored big successes in last September's `Broadway in Bermuda' concert and in Warren Cabral's pantomime, `The Three Musketeers'.

Elton Richardson, whom Denise Whitter describes as being "a wonderful, smooth crooner'', completes the rhythm and blues trio.

As for Ms Whitter who says she felt like a spell away from the limelight after `Lady Day' -- "it did turn out to be quite controversial and it was a very exhausting role to play'' -- confesses that she soon started to feel bored and restless without the stimulus of her theatre life. "There is some great music in this show: a couple of Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith songs and we have some good audience participation. We've even got some audience `wake-up' blues and some warm-up exercises!'' The Revue is backed by a quartet, with James Richardson on piano/keyboard, Rick Hawke, guitar, Kevin Maybury on drums and Sydney Simmons, bass.

The show is written by Deletta Gillespie, musical director is James Richardson, Leigh Hawke has designed the sound and lighting and set construction is by Stephan Ahknaton.

`Rufus's Rhythm 'n Blues Revue' is at Oasis Nitelife on Tuesdays through Fridays and showtime is at 10 p.m. nightly. Reservations may be made by telephoning 292-4978.

RUFUS CALLS THE TUNE -- Rufus the puppet adds a Bermudian flavour to the new Rhythm 'n Blues Revue at Oasis Nitelife where he is currently appearing with (left to right) Elton Richardson, Daren Herbert and Denise Whitter.