4 months ago
24
Great music, like true legends, never fades; it only grows richer with time. And at Timeless, the wait was more than worth it.
Coveside Concerts presented Timeless, a spectacular event held on Saturday at Plantation Cove, St Ann. The show was headlined by international music legend Dionne Warwick and featured powerhouse performances by Myrna Hague, Jamaica’s first lady of jazz; Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths; and the soulful Duane Stephenson. The well-attended event was a showcase of musical brilliance, bringing together a stunning lineup of icons and patrons who dressed as if they, too, were stars of the evening.
The evening’s performances were opened by Myrna Hague, whose signature vibrato and soulful delivery captivated the audience. She led them down memory lane with heartfelt renditions of classic hits, which had the audience singing like a choir. Reflecting on her performance, Hague praised the seamless blend of musicians that renowned saxophonist Dean Fraser brought together for the event.
“It was quite different. The combination of artistes and musicians that Dean Fraser brought together; it was the right mix to work with three different kinds of singers, and it was greatly done.”
Hague also shared her excitement about seeing Warwick up close, a rare and treasured moment.
“She is somebody that we, as singers, have been hearing for a long time. I sing some of her songs too. So hearing her live, up close, was truly appreciated.”
For Marcia Griffiths, the night was nothing short of magical. Still commanding the stage with power and grace after six decades, she described the audience’s response as overwhelming.
“I cannot find the words to express that after 60 years, I can walk on a stage and hear the audience respond to me like this. My God, He’s so amazing. I am so truly thankful.”
She continued, “Many are called, but few are chosen. I have no doubt that I am one of the chosen because that does something to me that I cannot explain. It’s just priceless. ”
Griffiths, who has long admired Warwick, reflected on the icon’s performance.
INTIMATE SINGER
“She was one of my inspirations growing up. She’s an intimate singer, and a different, more intimate venue would have been perfect for her. With an open-air concert like this, you need the best sound system to really do justice to her voice and sound.”
While Griffiths appreciated the Timeless concept and hoped for more concerts like it, she believes that Jamaica needs to improve on production.
“Timeless is a great concept. Wonderful, and I wish they would continue to do more shows like this. But the venue needs the best sound system to match the calibre of artistes performing. Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight — these are icons. If you’re bringing them to an open-air venue, the sound must be impeccable.”
When asked about her secret to ageing so gracefully, she credited a healthy lifestyle.
She said with a smile, “We’re not eating for taste, we’re eating for life.”
Duane Stephenson didn’t miss a beat. Poking jokes at the crowd saying he should have stayed home because the crowd sounds so good singing his songs. The August Town singer had them eating from his hands as they belted out his hits Ghetto Pain, Weekend Dude and Cottage in Negril, among others.
As the evening reached its climax, Warwick graced the stage, enchanting the audience with her signature elegance and timeless voice. Her set was a nostalgic journey through some of her greatest hits such as I’ll Never Fall in Love Again, Alfie and I’ll Never Love This Way Again; leaving the audience mesmerised.
She was later joined onstage by her eldest son — David Elliott, who gave an astounding performance with her which were crowd favourites — Say a Little Prayer and That’s What Friends Are For.
Elliott, after performing, highlighted his love for Jamaica and plans for the future.
“I absolutely love Jamaica. Jamaicans are music connoisseurs. My Mom loves when the crowd feels her performance as that gives her more energy, so this was a good performance for her.”
“We have a big family tour coming up starting next week in Europe and the UK. It will be a family show, just me, her and my other brother [Daman Elliott], so that will be great,” he told The Gleaner.
English (US) ·