Music Review: Lady Tyson & Wayne Davis

[Written by Dale Butler]

I am not surprised that the Friday, May 20th performance of Bermuda’s own Lady Tyson, who now resides in the UK, and Wayne “Off the Radar” Davis was sold out at the Anchor Restaurant, Bar & Lounge, known for its Bermudian service and excellent food.

Friday night is the time to enjoy a night out in the west end and the duo did not disappoint. Wayne made his reputation as a pianist with:

• Soul Symphony

• Family Bermuda

• The Sapphire 2

• Twice

• And his own 10-piece orchestra at the Castle Harbour Hotel in the 1980s, but is not often in the spotlight today.

His performance with Lady Tyson was a reunion of the past when she performed with him, Wensey Woolridge and Bert “Sphynx” Rodney, to name but a few. It was long overdue.

Wayne is still proficient at the piano and can hold his own when he does his solo songs. Lady Tyson is often described as a “powerhouse.” She has a charismatic personality which has helped build confidence and a very easy way of connecting with audiences. She used both effectively with songs like:

• “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” – The Shirelles

• “If I Ain’t Got You” – Alicia Keys

• “You Can’t Hurry Love” – The Supremes

• “Hit The Road Jack” – Percy Mayfield – made popular by Ray Charles. She used this as a joke regarding divorce.

• “Tonight, I Celebrate My Life” – lyricist Gerry Goffin with Michael Masser and recorded by Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack [1983].

• “Get Here [If You Can]” – Oleta Adams

Lady Tyson has an amazing voice which is filled with passion. Her charming personality, with Wayne accompanying her, helped to bring New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club and the Bermuda Southampton Princess Empire Room to The Anchor Restaurant, Bar and Lounge. She is also well-known for weekly radio requests to hear her gospel songs.

Lady Tyson is also a DJ during the intermission, and easily snaps back into her role as a songstress belting out “Rolling On The River,” written by John Fogerty but popularized by showstopper Tina Turner. It was clear, by now, when she reached Jennifer Hudson’s 2008 hit “Spotlight,” that she was in the zone and with Wayne by her side they had a happy audience in their hands.

The duo performed in the courtyard and will return May 27th from 7.00pm to 10.00pm. If Lady Tyson does not have to return to the UK for another engagement, I won’t be surprised if the management at the Anchor Restaurant, Bar & Lounge extend it.

- Dale Butler is the Professor of Local Music and also writes restaurant, book and dance reviews for Bernews.

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Category: All, Entertainment, Music