Paul Shaffer takes to stage with Body and Soul at Hyatt

Members of the band Body and Soul take a moment 
from playing with Paul Shaffer from the David Letterman 
Show (l-r) Jan Liebaers, rhythm guitarist, Renee Rogers, 
lead singer, Paul Shaffer, and Bob Lankford, lead 
guitarist and vocalist

Wednesday, January 7, 2004

It was a very special treat for the audience at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman on New Year's Eve. 

Paul Shaffer of the famed David Letterman Show joined local band Body and Soul on stage for a long session on New Year's Eve. 

"We knew he was coming down as a guest, we didn't know he would be playing," explained Bridget Brown, Director of Catering for the Hyatt Regency. 

Bob Lankford is the lead guitarist for Body and Soul. "We were eating before our set, when I saw Paul Shaffer in the audience," he explained. "I was already nervous, and that just made it worse."

"The manager said when we started playing, he stopped eating and stood up to get a better view," added Mr Lankford. "He's an icon. I thought, at that moment, if nothing else, even if I don't get an autograph, that's enough for me. That's when he came over and said he would love to play with us, but because of bronchial infection, he would be going to bed early."

But he was not gone for long. Within 10 minutes the singer/musician was walking back to the stage. He climbed up, and with a quick "Let's do it," began to play. He took to the stage for an entire set with Body and Soul, 45 minutes, before retiring to his room. 

As for how long the versatile performer would be on Island, Ms Brown said: "Unfortunately we are not at liberty to say." 

Body and Soul, for their part, will be making a departure of their own. The band will be changing their name and adding a horn section. Look for Velvet Touch around the Island later this month.

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