Concert Reviews (from other boards)

[Ivory Fair]

From the Temptations Concert Review board, "G Elaine's" review of the Saratoga, CA show, May 31st and June 1st.

Temptations Concert Review board.....
www.quicktopic.com/8/H/ETuhkUqAznqC

Hello to all Fans!

Last Friday and Saturday I attended 2 fantastic concerts. I could not have imagined any better. The Temptations and Four Tops were at the top of their games both nights. I will try to give you some highlights of both evenings. The venue was the Historic Mountain Winery in Saratoga. The name describes the quaint facility because it is atop a mountain with a narrow, winding, 2-lane road leading to and from. The concerts are held in an intimate setting called the Concert Bowl with steep, narrow steps leading down to the seats.

Generally, I am in my seat 15 minutes before the Tempts concerts, but Friday night I did not anticipate the scary mountain road with no barriers on the sides. So after parking in the vineyards, I jumped out of the car running fast, because that was my only chance to hear the first song. When I opened my purse to present my ticket, my inexperience at smuggling a camera into the shows was my undoing. The camera was not concealed well enough and the ticket person insisted I take my camera back to the car. In the parking lot, I stuffed the camera inside my blouse and ran back, but I had missed the start…darn! Anyway, The Temptations were smiling, energetic and playful. They looked marvelous wearing the caramel color, double-breasted, short style jackets with the sparkling gold stars (maybe) hanging from the wrists and the picture/drawing on the back, animal print shirts, and the chocolate color pants, I think. (Help me somebody!). The band was great because the music did not overpower the voices. I could hear fans all around me saying, “They sound so good, and the harmony is perfect”. I completely agreed with them. The crowd was so appreciative of the wonderful performance by the Tempts they were standing, dancing and cheering after almost every song. The stage was not elevated and for the first time I considered saying very loudly, “Can y’all sit your behinds down so I can see?”…LOL. I was sitting next to a couple that grew up in England and they were happy to hear the Tempts were there earlier this year because the fans there really love them. That couple was amazed at how youthful Otis is, so they asked me what happened to the surviving original member and when I assured them it was Otis, they said, “Noooo! he is not old enough”. BIG O looks wonderful and he springs off the floor while dancing to “Treat Her Like a Lady”…LOL. I had never heard Terry announce a song before, but he introduced “Some Enchanted Evening”…sigh! Terry and Bo were sensational and displayed their versatility in a beautiful way. Terry was beyond words and sang “4 Days” days with great emotion. I don’t think I could ever get enough of that song in a show. Although Harry did not sing “Ol’ Man River”, he was very active in the show. We screamed when Harry and Otis did the speaking in bass voice thing. Bo didn’t sing “…Promise” this time, but he could easily step off the stage from time to time and give some lucky lady a thrill. I always enjoy Ron during the “Don’t Want to Be Like the Joneses”. Ron has what I call “stage magnetism”. As much as everyone was applauding, cheering and dancing, not a single camera flash the entire show. The only light flashes came from lightning bugs (fireflies)…LOL because the arena was outdoors and the weather was nice. I didn’t want to be the only fan thrown out so I didn’t flash either. This show was an exceptional performance by TERRY, RON, OTIS, HARRY and BARRINGTON.

The Tops continued the fantastic evening with their show. I had a chance to see Theo with them for the first time. Theo and the Tops looked handsome in the black, shiny jackets with white pants and shirts. Theo toyed with us and sang effortlessly, but with so much power that he made the songs his own. Of course they sang some Tops hits and did a medley of others, but they sang 4 or 5 songs that I don’t recall the Tops recording. Theo was spotlighted on those songs and I had the opportunity to enjoy his amazing voice. The Four Tops show was energetic and a lot of fun. Be right back with Saturday.

Continued....

[Ivory Fair]

On Saturday, we arrived very early with camera well hidden, but the Tops performed first. It was windy and cold so I was comfortable wearing a heavy coat. Many people were wrapped in blankets and shivering but no one left…LOL. The Tops came out first wearing white linen jackets with black pants, shirts and shoes. Obie Benson (Is that the bass singer’s name?) and Duke Fakir still seem to still enjoy performing and appreciated the enthusiastic reception from the fans. Theo has a charming way of laughing out loud that makes me melt onto the floor. He also stepped off the stage from time to time to touch the hands of lucky ladies. But it wasn't me because I was sitting way in the back in the dark. I wish Levi Stubbs well, but I was happy to have the opportunity to see Theo in their show.

The Temptations took the stage in salmon (I keep calling them peach) jackets, white pants, shirts and shoes. They looked and sounded great so they got the same response from the fans. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the show and blankets didn’t prevent anyone from standing up and dancing with them. Ron asked, “Who turned on the air conditioner?” Otis expressed his appreciation for the sales of “My Girl” compilation CD. His Thursday reports indicate it keeps climbing the charts. (Go head on Big O!) I love the dance steps to “Standing on the Top” and I was watching Terry during that song. My, how the man can dance! I could hear some of the same comments from folks around me as the night before, “These guys can really sing!” and “They sound so good”. Maybe my memory has faded, but this concert had the best combination of music and voices of any other before. I stood in the aisle when Terry started singing “4 Days” and when they finished I was almost in tears. To me, it seems he enjoys singing that song. When Ron asks Otis if he wrote the song, he always answers “No, but I wish I had”. This time he added, “But you know it’s the truth”. It was such a good feeling to see Harry back and to see Otis dancing. Still no cameras flashed so No, I still don’t have pictures of the Temptations on stage. This time I realized how to get the camera in, next time maybe I can get a picture…LOL. Ok, so it is difficult to catch on to the photo tricks. I will just have to keep this one fresh in my memory because The Temptations were ALL THAT and much more. Thank you Al McKenzie for the exceptional music. (((OTIS))) (((RON))) (((BARRINGTON))) (((HARRY))) (((TERRY))) (((AL))) I love you! Will see you again on July 9.


(end)

[janebse]

Where had Harry been? When I saw them last week, Harry was dancing up a storm. He mentions some sort of illness on the Awesome CD.

[Ivory Fair]

If I remember correctly during the early part of last year, or in the spring, he had an emergency illness that kept him from performing for some time.

You got any more info on that Jo?

[janebse]

On the Awesome notes, he thanks his doctors and talks about a life-changing illness/?. He mentions a rather large number of doctors so it must have been something serious. He also speaks of being thankful that God is still blessing him.

He was dancing so well that he appears to be well now.

[Ivory Fair]

Again, if I remember correctly, it WAS very serious. He may have even been near death (but don't quote me on that.) That might not be right though, I may be getting his illness confused with Richard's.

But he was gone at least a month if not longer. And you know for him to have been allowed to miss that many days it was something bad.

I think it had something to with his stomach or intestines and he's gained a little weight since then. But that's ok because, again, there's more to love!

[sukkafu]

when i saw the 4 tempts in jan., harry was recovering from stomach surgery.

[Ivory Fair]

Cleveland, OH 6/22/02, posted by "Kat"
on the Temptations Concert Review board, www.quicktopic.com/8/H/ETuhkUqAznqC

It turned out to be a very interesting evening but I wasn't too
happy with the sound system, it was really hard to hear at times
especially during the Temps concert. Steve Harvey was absolutely
hilarious and had the audience in tears. Mary Wilson was pretty
as ever dressed in her green evening gown as she and Steve MCed
the First Annual African-American Business Hall of Fame Awards
Ceremony.
JT and I had the pleasure of meeting the President and CEO of
Ford Motor Co. before the show during Networking, very nice
man...
The ceremony lasted forever and Daddysgirl and I thought we
never were gonna see the guys but low and behold 3 hours
later(midnight), the lights began to flash and the intro to
"Awesome" came on, from where we were sitting which was right
above the stage on Harry's side on the left. We were right at
the railing of the balcony and we could see the guys back stage,
it was exciting. Finally they came out and Bo started off the
evening with "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" whew, what a voice, what a
man... They were dressed in black slacks with white blouses and
red jackets and looked very handsome but I couldn't figure out
Terry, his shirt was unbuttoned half way down his chest and his
sleeves were just hangin' there but that was fine with me, he
looked mighty sexy....They played lots of oldies such as "Ain't
Too Proud To Beg", "I Wish It Would Rain" "My Girl" and "Ball of
Confusion" I went nuts when Terry sang "Some Enchanted Evening"
Outstanding but my favorite song was when they did "Ole Man
River" Harry disappered from the stage as the rest sang in
harmony, Daddysgirl and I had a blast as we yelled down "Sing It
Harry" and by God he sure did...WOW, that voice is incredible!!!
It was funny when they did the song about the Joneses, they had
the audience and the band participating in that one. each Temp
walked to the side of the stage and held out their microphone
for the audience to sing and we had Harry on our side. He looked
up and said Hi and gave us a big smile, what a sweetie!! They
did the same again towards the end. Ron was in rare form too,
just incredible and that sweet sounding voice could just melt
any gals heart...
At the end of the show the guys walked up to the front of the
stage to greet the people. We didn't get to say Hi to O, he was
busy with some folks down front but we got to say Hi one more
time to Sweet Sexy Harry and Bo came over and gave us a smile
towards the end.
I do have to say the band was outstanding too and after the
Temps left the stage both Daddysgirl and I gave the band members
the thumbs up and told them they sounded great and the guitar
players acknowledged with a thumbs up back
It was truly "Some Enchanted Evening" and a night I'll cherish
for the rest of my life.
Thanks Temptations, you are truly, truly AWESOME...
Check for the concert photos up on the sites soon folks....

[sukkafu]

it sounds like the wait was worth it. thanks for posting this review ivory.

[janebse]

Have no idea which board to put this reqest on, but here goes. I know that Richard Street worked around the Temptations before he finally became a Tempt. Of couse, we all know he helped sing Paul's parts at times, but he took the place of a Tempt if he could not make a practice, etc. And, as Richard said, "One day I became a Tempt." Terry Weeks did the same thing. And I know Ron was around them working for many years. And then I read a statement where Jimmy Ruffin said he rode with them in the station wagon as the 6th Tempt.

My question is do they really have someone who is ready to fill in and sing and dance during a performance if a Tempt is ill? Or during practices? And is this person always on hand.

In an article Terry mentioned a person he identified as his "road partner." Whatever that is.

[Ivory Fair]

I obviously don't know all the ins and outs of what they do, but I don't think it's a situation where they've got someone with them at all times as a stand in. For example, when Harry was sick last year, they were usually only four of them performing. During the months when they were in between bass singers, (because of Blu's death and Ray's illness) there were only four of them and, I've been told, Ali sang bass.

I think a more accurate description would be to say that IF someone needs to be replaced, his replacement is selected and groomed in advance so that he is ready when the time comes.

I've *heard* that, at times, O has kind of waved a member's replacement in the face of a current member in an effort to get him to tow the line. I think something like that may have happened with Bo and Ali. Ali wasn't doing what O thought he should, he acts like he's gonna bring in Bo, and then Ali straightens up. At least that's my understanding.

As for Terry's "road partner," it's hard to know who he's referring to without reading the article, but in addition to the five Tempts, there's a security guy, five band members, a valet, a sound guy, a road manager and bus driver/s (I think that's everyone) not to mention a number of fill-ins that come in on an ad hoc basis. So he could have been talking about any of those people.

Or maybe he has a frog in his pocket. ;D

[janebse]

I've heard from various different sources that Ali had the same problems that David Ruffin did. So they decided to replace Ali and auditioned Bo, but Ali appeared to buckle down. Then a short time later, it was obvious that Ali was still having problems so they replaced him.

Ali singing bass? When people talk of Melvin, they always speak of a basso profundo, and I guess Harry is too. No way Ali could sing bass the way Melvin did, or even come close.

I'm glad Otis maintains standards.

[Ivory Fair]

Detroit, 8/3/02, posted by "Melody" on the Temptations Concert Review Board
www.quicktopic.com/8/H/ETuhkUqAznqC

Chene Park has the most Beauitufl setting for a concert I've
ever seen with the Sparkling water in the backgound in the back
of the stage. The weather was perfect. Before the Manhattens
came on I sat and talked with Ruth and Crys! When the
Manhattens came on, I went to my third row orch pit set. I feel
so Lucky to have gotten that one. The lead singer really got
down, and I Love their bassman's voice. My favorite song was
"Don't Take Your Love From Me". I Love the way the background
sings that part. It was also Nice to hear "Shining Star". I
wish the guitar was louder.

Now time for the TEMPTATIONS!!!

The Tempts did the "Awesome" intro. I called out each of the
guys' names. I had my Temptations' baseball cap with me too,
and I put it on when the Tempts walked out. They had on light
gold/yellow jackets with white shirts and pants. I was so
Exicted. One of the guys that were sitting near me asked if I
was going to be alright." I said "Yes." LOL!!

The Tempts sang the Classics, "Stay", "Standing On The Top" (I
Love "The Rock" dance, and I got up real quick once and did the
dance. LOL!! That was funny. I'm going to try and sneak that
dance in at all my concerts. LOL!! "Treat Her Like A Lady" and
"4 Days". Oh "Ol Man River"!!! Once again it took me some time
to get back in the groove after haering that song. It really
affects me. It's really Deep.

During the "Fan My Girl" section - the guy they picked!! I'll
tell ya - boy oh boy LOL!! He didn't do the dance part. He went
right on into the singing part. That man got down. LOL!! Ohhh
Wheww! He was working the stage. He made me think of David
Ruffin when he sang "talking bout, talking bout talking bout my
girl." I could see David doing his arm movements when he sings
that part, and when he sings "ohhh my girl. And when we thought
it was over, the Tempts gave us a Big Treat and sang "Can't Get
Next To You". Oh that was Nice. While listening to the song, I
was thinking of the Tempts singing that on the Ed Sullivan show.
Just like my first "OWAN" Mother's Day concert in May 2000, the
Tempts got their faces wiped with towels and came back and gave
us some more with Terry starting with my favorite part "Girl,
you're blowing my mind, cause I can't get next to you." Y'all
should have seen me singing that part with Terry doing my own
gestures. LOL!! When I think about it now, the Tempts also sang
"Can't Get Next To You" on my Saturday "LYM" AC concert in March
2001.

The Tempts have a new step that they do now, but I can't
remember actually when it's done. I'm going to pay attention at
my next concert.

Well, BIG THANKS goes out to
(((((((((((((((((OTIS)))))))))))))))))!,
(((((((((((((((((((((RON)))))))))))))))))))))))!
((((((((((((((((BARRINGTON))))))))))))))))))),
(((((((((((((((((((((TERRY)))))))))))))))))))),
(((((((((((((((((((HARRY)))))))))))))))))))))))))))) AND
(((((((((((((((((((BAND&CREW)))))))))))))))))))))))! for giving
this Biggest Forever Fan another THRILL!!! ANOTHER EXCITING AND
WONDERFUL concert!!! I look forward to my three concerts in a
row for my "LYM5" at the end of Sept. IT'S ON!! IT'S ON!!!

I'll be back with more comments. I've got a lot of catching up
to do with reading the posts!! TTYAL!

[sukkafu]

nice upbeat review- good time. i still like the jonel,ivory, kalisa and dsf style of crazy reviews!

[janebse]

Isn't Ron Tyson's brother, David, part of the Manhattans?

Seeing the Tempts in Detroit must be special.