Superb Dionne

EVEN after 40 years in the business, Dionne Warwick undoubtedly remains unchallenged as the “First Lady of Pop”.

At the Centre of Excellence in Macoya, Tunapuna, last Sunday night the five-time Grammy Award winner gave a full house of patrons a taste of her signature singing style and timeless songs that won her a place in Billboard’s records as the second most charted female of the past 40 years. Occasion was the staging of “Divas In Concert” presented by Spektakula Promotions in collaboration with Courts and the Guardian that featured, in addition to Warwick as the star attraction, performances by local female entertainers Mavis John, Faye Alibocas, Denyse Plummer and reigning National Calypso Monarch Singing Sandra (Sandra Des Vignes).

Stating quite clearly that she preferred to be referred to as an icon or legend instead of diva, which she said was usually reserved for the world of opera, the versatile entertainer was unable to convince her fans otherwise in delivering an hour and a half of classics songs that undeniably qualified her to be awarded the accolade. Relaxed, in sync with her band of professional musicians, and establishing early rapport with the audience, Warwick easily turned back the hands of time and generated high levels of joy with a superb showcase of the string of songs people all over the world have come to know and love that fashioned her into an international star.

She opened with “Close To You,” and followed with others that included “Don’t Make Me Over,” “A House Is Not A Home,” “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” “Message To Michael,” “I Need Your Love,” “Alfie,” “Do You Know The Way To San Jose,”  “Brazil,” “What The World Needs Now Is Love” and “That’s What Friends Are For.” She delivered the latter with her son, Dave Elliot, whom she had introduced earlier, as a surprise guest, to offer “Say A Little Prayer For You.” Appearing in fine form and voice, Elliot was an instant hit with the audience. Warwick’s son, however, was not the only offspring to share the stage with his mother that night. Soul/jazz singer Mavis John, in her session, brought her son Jason on stage to share in presentation of her signature selection, “You Are What Love Is.”

With brilliant musical accompaniment from the band Wayne Bruno and the Rapid Response, John, appearing after Alibocas and Plummer had warmed up the audience, gave her naturally smooth performances to, as well, “I Am A Believer,” “Morena Osha,” and “Lifeline.” Newcomer and Miss World representative Faye Alibocas had the distinction of opening the programme and winning instant fans with her commendable interpretations of “First Time I Saw Your Face” and “Too Good To Be True.” Plummer’s professionally executed three-song repertoire included the infectious “Nah Leaving,” while Sandra showed off the power of her voice and in the process may have surprised many with her well-chosen selections that included “Trade Winds,” “My Living Shall Not Be In Vain” and “He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother.” All present agreed it was an evening of fine performances by the all-female cast, especially that of the living legend, Dionne Warwick, a brilliant gem that gets brighter every year.