Simply goodbye, from Myrna - Concert ends after 10 years
Published:Tuesday | March 10, 2020 | 12:00 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
In Myrna’s inimitable style, the fabulous ‘Simply Myrna’ cabaret series had its “goodbye” curtain call last Saturday inside a packed Courtleigh Auditorium, with the doyenne of jazz pouring her all into the final song, the Rita Coolidge classic, I’d Rather Leave While I’m Love. After a delightful decade of staging a show that defines the essence of her persona, the jazz and blues impresario is ready, not for retirement, but simply for the next phase of her exciting journey. And, from her appearance and performance, Dr Myrna Hague is more than prepared.
Myrna was in her element and summed it all up when she declared in that girlie, just-stepped-out-of-a-fairy-tale way of hers, “I feel younger tonight than 10 years ago.” And, without missing a beat, a member of the audience shouted, “I wish I could say the same!”
Accompanied by the Simply Myrna band, led by the maestro, Desi Jones, the woman of the moment was hell-bent on making the closing show the stuff of which beautiful memories are made. Taking centre stage, totally covered up in a long, flowing white gown – which defied the label ‘puritanical,’ owing to its tantalising, centre slit from the ground all the way up there – Myrna charmed her audience with songs and conversation. She gave a gushing tribute to Dr Marjorie Whylie, before inviting her to share the stage, which had as part of its decor, a white piano with a single rose atop.
CARI-FOLK SINGERS
The Cari-Folk Singers, who appeared in 2011 on the very first Simply Myrna, were back for the final curtain, bringing a carefree vibe and a suite of folk songs that always works well with this audience. No Tear I’, De Buggy Bruk, Moonshine Tonight and One Solja Man, numbered in their repertoire, and it was quite delightful when Myrna joined them for one special piece, Fi Mi Love Have Lion Heart. So, too, did renowned musician, singer and songwriter, Astley ‘Grub’ Cooper. Dressed in a bright yellow shirt, Grub was as colourful as the group, and his selection, Some Enchanted Evening, the show tune from the musical, South Pacific, prepared the stage for the re-entry, minutes later, of Myrna, dressed in a blue sequinned minidress, and looking every inch the showgirl. It was the first of three wardrobe changes for the diva, and the little blue dress was a showstopper in a segment that saw Myrna skilfully working the audience, singing as she caressed the bald pates of a few men, and even perching saucily on the lap of another. The blue made way for burgundy – a floor-length gown – and with this came a selection of songs from an album she had recorded with legendary Studio One producer Coxsone Dodd. Our Day Will Come was well received, and so, too, was her take on You’re Still My Honey, an original from one of reggae’s greatest songwriters, singer Bob Andy. Her set segued into that of Dean Fraser’s, which saw him announce his presence on his sax, side of stage. Not only did Dean blow up a storm, he expertly dusted off a little gem from Graceland, Paul Simon’s 1986 controversial Grammy album. Titled Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes, it significantly features backing vocals from the South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Dean invited another of Myrna’s specials friends, Chris McDonald, to the stage and together they had fun with the audience each taking a side and trying to see which side could sing the chorus of Diamonds louder.
Dean’s exit made way for Myrna, dressed in a flirty bronze number. She had fun as she “re-worked an old chestnut,” the classic, In Other Words, and closed the curtains with I’d Rather Leave While I’m Love. As usual, her mother was seated right up front.
In a post-performance interview with The Gleaner, Myrna emphasised that she was not retiring. “These 10 years have been fabulous! I definitely will be having something. I am not retiring, I am just regrouping,” she said.
Quizzed about her “10 years younger” declaration, she said with a smile, “Yes man, I feel younger, yuh don’t see how the skirt dem short? I exercise, I eat right, and I look after my health. I have a prayer group that meets at 6 o’clock every morning, and we’ve been going on about 15 years now and that sustains us.”