Ossie (left) and Valerie Chung have a word with Monte Blake of Merritone Music. (Photos: Grace-Ann Eldemire)

Connoisseurs of great music can now add one more staple to the shrinking diet of places where men and women can really listen and dance to music together.  Merritone Music has established a last Sunday gig at Pure Lounge, which kicked off on Sunday, December 20, with a bang and then some.

On Pure Class’ arrival a steady flow of Merritone followers were on the floor hobnobbing or rocking to the early juggling of Craig ‘Young Lion’ Ross, which included God Is Standing By, Groovy Situation, Andy Gibb’s Emotions and Mind Blowing Decision.

By the time the reggae selections began with Dennis Brown’s The Prophet Rides Again the party was in full swing.  When Night Nurse erupted from the speaker box many who were seated were on their feet to pay homage to the ‘Cool Ruler’.

Even those cozying up in the VIP area could not resist the infectious pull of If Jah Is Standing By My Side and Ghetto People Song.

Reggae gave way to what is arguably the greatest era in dance music with the women demonstrating how to Rock The Boat while the Pointer Sisters commanded the men to Jump and Dare Me.

When the music switched to soul, actor Glen Campbell and his partner stepped some cool, show-stopping moves.  They were truly stepping.  Soon others joined them and those who could not find space to step, went down to the lower level in order to have more room.

by Sunday Herald

Later E. Montgomery ‘Monte’  Blake welcomed everyone to the inaugural PureMerritone session and said he was pleased with the massive turn out of loyal Merritone followers and those who simply want to listen and dance to the awesome music of yesterday and today.

“In the spirit of the festive season I wish you all a very happy holidays.  I hope that all the things you wished for in 2009 was a reality and that all that did not happen during 2009 will be a reality in 2010.  This is PureMerritone, the best place to be every last Sunday of every month from henceforth.”