published: Monday | June 14, 2004
By Eddie J. Grant, Contributor
A TORONTO performance by some of Jamaica's greatest entertainers provided for a memorable concert, whilst raising funds for a worthy cause.
The benefit concert, held recently at the Jamaican Canadian Centre, raised funds for Jamaican children suffering with HIV/AIDS. Featured performers were the legendary Sonny Bradshaw, O.D.; Myrna Hague, Jamaica's famous jazz and blues singer; and the talented A.J. Brown. All three were backed by another veteran singer Jay Douglas and his All Star Band.
One would have to go way back in time to remember the last occasion that entertainers of such calibre performed on the same roster in Toronto. This was certainly history in the making; and judging from the audience's reaction, including their long loud applauses, they loved every minute of it.
THE OPENING
The tempo and mood were set from the opening number when the band started with a well-known instrument. 'Eastern Standard Time', made popular by the late great Don Drummond, Jamaica's ace trombonist. Bandleader Douglas then joined his All Stars, wooing patrons with a couple of classic renditions. From there, the show moved smoothly on to the proficient Bradshaw. And there was no let up.
Bradshaw's first presentation was another old favourite Cherry Pink, which was also loudly cheered, especially by those old enough to remember the song. More popular instruments were to follow before Bradshaw was joined on stage by his wife, Myrna. Her opening song, The Way We Were, had the audience spellbound.
This first song from the lady of jazz was the beginning of an awesome performance as she belted out her versions of a litany of hits such as That's Life, which was a chart topper for the late Frank Sinatra, and 'St. Louis Blues', another popular jazz song. Myrna also added a contemporary and innovative touch by performing some modern songs with a jazz flavour.
All Myrna's renditions were enthusiastically received, but the audience was ecstatic about four, including Fly Me To The Moon, which the singer described as her favourite. The other three were Yellow Bird, Jamaica Farewell, and Over The Rainbow.
GREETING FANS
Ever the true professional entertainer, Myrna she took time out to mix with the audience, stopping and greeting fans at each table.
Jamaica's premier balladeer, A.J. Brown, wrapped up the concert with a thrilling closing act. Brown, whose career was launched at the Seawind Beach Resort Hotel in Montego Bay in the mid 1970s, was in his usual excellent form. He captivated the fans with several popular songs that were made famous by legendary entertainers. Among the songs were I'll Be Around by the Spinners, Dock of The Bay by the late Otis Redding, My Girl by the Temptations, and Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino.
Brown was joined by Hague in a closing duet, which elicited a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd.