Post by kalisa2 on Apr 11, 2002 18:24:48 GMT -5
From the Los Angeles Sentinel April 11 - April 17 2002 Issue
Sentinel Contributing Writer: LARRY BUFORD
"What do you do if you were once a lead singer for one of the most popular, premier R&B vocal groups of all time? You surround yourself with four of the best singers in the business, and keep on truckin'. That is exactly what Dennis Edwards did.
As a former lead singer of the world-famous Temptations, it was Edwards' distinguished vocal performance on such hits as "Cloud Nine", which one Motown's first Grammy, and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone", which garnered two more. He was the main vocal on other Grammy-nominated songs as well.
Now touring and recording as "The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards", the grous busy 2002 schedule includes some 70 cities inn the United States and abroad. They recorded a moving version of "God Bless America" in response to the September 11th tragedy, which receives a thunderous standing ovation each time they perform it.
I caught up with the group backstage after their recent performance at the prestigious Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles. Billed as the "Classic Soul Tour 2002" along with two other veteran groups, the Dramatics and the O'Jays, they performed to a packed, sold-out audience.
Edwards says that his current line-up, which includes David Sea, Mike Patillo, Chris Arnold and Bernard Gibson, were all selected to reflect the distinct vocals of original Tempts David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams and Melvin Franklin (now all deceased). He said "to give the people what they want", he incorporated the original choreography, and the guitar-based music arrangements of former Tempts music director Cornelius Grant (also present during the interview) into the act.
For the record, Edwards acknowledges Temptations founding member Otis Williams current group billed as "The Temptations" and says, "I love Otis - we sang together for 20 years - he has a great group, and I have [mine]"
As "The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards" continues to gain momentum, Edwards says that he is back "by the Grace of God", and credits corporate prayer for unity wthin the group. He says he could be home, but recognizes the responsibility he has to his fans to keep "the magic" of the Tempts tradition alive.
For those who did not catch their performance, manager Ben Crosby says there is a strong possibility they will be returning to he Amphitheater some time in the fall. Further information can be found on the internet at: http://www.paradiseartists.com"
end of article.
Sentinel Contributing Writer: LARRY BUFORD
"What do you do if you were once a lead singer for one of the most popular, premier R&B vocal groups of all time? You surround yourself with four of the best singers in the business, and keep on truckin'. That is exactly what Dennis Edwards did.
As a former lead singer of the world-famous Temptations, it was Edwards' distinguished vocal performance on such hits as "Cloud Nine", which one Motown's first Grammy, and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone", which garnered two more. He was the main vocal on other Grammy-nominated songs as well.
Now touring and recording as "The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards", the grous busy 2002 schedule includes some 70 cities inn the United States and abroad. They recorded a moving version of "God Bless America" in response to the September 11th tragedy, which receives a thunderous standing ovation each time they perform it.
I caught up with the group backstage after their recent performance at the prestigious Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles. Billed as the "Classic Soul Tour 2002" along with two other veteran groups, the Dramatics and the O'Jays, they performed to a packed, sold-out audience.
Edwards says that his current line-up, which includes David Sea, Mike Patillo, Chris Arnold and Bernard Gibson, were all selected to reflect the distinct vocals of original Tempts David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams and Melvin Franklin (now all deceased). He said "to give the people what they want", he incorporated the original choreography, and the guitar-based music arrangements of former Tempts music director Cornelius Grant (also present during the interview) into the act.
For the record, Edwards acknowledges Temptations founding member Otis Williams current group billed as "The Temptations" and says, "I love Otis - we sang together for 20 years - he has a great group, and I have [mine]"
As "The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards" continues to gain momentum, Edwards says that he is back "by the Grace of God", and credits corporate prayer for unity wthin the group. He says he could be home, but recognizes the responsibility he has to his fans to keep "the magic" of the Tempts tradition alive.
For those who did not catch their performance, manager Ben Crosby says there is a strong possibility they will be returning to he Amphitheater some time in the fall. Further information can be found on the internet at: http://www.paradiseartists.com"
end of article.
