By Alexander Johnson For Seventies Soul Report.com
A diverse group of fans of Mya Marie Harrison showed up at the August Wilson Cultural Center to witness the multi talents of the former ‘90s RnB star.
Blessed with good looks and a physique that evokes envy for women of all ages, Mya showed that she’s much more than the pretty face that has often clouded her true talents.
During her recent Friday April 26 show that lasted about an hour, she dazzled her Steel City fans during what’s known as their quarterly-held Soul Sessions.
The star’s angelic-like vocals complemented her dancing skills and it’s obvious she’s been trained by several legendary hoofers such as Jimmy Slyde, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines and the Nicholas Brothers.
A quartet of live musicians and an onstage dee-jay, helped surround Mya with the soulful musicality format that she easily embraced on this unseasonably chilly Spring evening in downtown Pittsburgh.
Though this writer admits not being aware of her varied discography which reaches back to 1998, she did perform several tunes that were familiar hits, including her collaboration with rapper Beenie Man, “Girls Dem Sugar.” She also delved into her other collabs including “It’s All About Me,” with Baltimore male group, DRU Hill, “Lock U Down” with Lil Wayne. and ”Ghetto Supastar” with Ol Dirty Bastard,
She also performed what is considered one of her top solo hits, “My Love is Like Wo.” She then performed the major collaboration soundtrack hit “Lady Marmalade” with Pink, Lil Kim and Pittsburgh’s own Christina Aguilera. I thought she would make-mention that Christina is a home-town girl, but then again, maybe Maya is not aware that Christina formerly lived in North Hills and Rochester, Pa.
She then completed her set with a series of cover tunes, including Stevie Wonder’s ‘As,” from his 1976-penned ‘Songs In the Key of Life’ album. Three years prior to Mya’s birth.
In a live setting, Maya certainly proves that she’s been dedicated to her craft – not only as a vocalist, but as an all-around entertainer. And, it was apparent that her mostly-female audience absolutely appreciated what they came to see and hear.—-AJ
