Post by tempfan on Jan 22, 2005 22:52:46 GMT -5
TEMPTATIONS REVIEW DAZZLE FULL HOUSE
The Marion Star
Music fans braved wintery conditions in big numbers to hear The Temptations Review perform to a packed house at the Marion Palace Theatre on Friday Night.
Some came to hear some old school, some to relive the Motown era when The Temptations reigned supreme. The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards, didn't fail to please.
"I'm going to take you on a magical journey, back through the streets of Detroit where Motown was created," Edwards, the last living lead singer of The Legendary Temptations, promised to a packed crowd.
"It's showtime, baby. It's the real deal, man."
Edwards, who replaced lead singer David Ruffin in 1968, and his new crew of singers, took fans on a trip through hits like "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", "The Way You Do the Things You Do." and "Can't Get Next To You".
"Papa Was a Rolling Stone" got the audience to its feet while crowd favorite "My Girl" gave them a rhythmic farewell.
Tenor David Sea offered up a soulful rendition of "I Wish It Would Rain" while he and fellow Review members Mike Patillo, Bernard Gibson and Chris Arnold helped Edwards recapture the group's legendary days.
"When it comes to replacing legends, one must look far and wide," said Edwards. Mitch Tyler, a Marion resident and drummer who said he used to play Temptations hits with bluesman Willie Phoenix, said he did a good job.
"You shut your eyes and you can almost feel the old group," said Tyler, who said The Temptations have always been his favorite group.
"That harmony, you know, nobody else can harmonize like they can."
The Marion show brought out loyal fans like Joan Roscoe, who said she owns almost every Temptations album, and Tequila Pickens who grew up with the band's music and came for some of the old school songs.
"The music is a symbol of togetherness, of family," said Pickens, who said it reminded her of cookouts and other family get-togethers when The Temptations would be playing. "My mother loved them, and I like all their songs."
Stella Otey traveled down from Mansfield to relive the old days. She also said she grew up listening to the music and still considers The Temptations among her favorite groups.
"It's the rhythm, the soul," she said. "It's got feeling in it."
Otey said she got to the theater an hour early because she was afraid she would miss the show. She took time during the show to stock up on some memorabilia of her favorite group.
"You can tell I'm a fan," she said, arms loaded up with a T-shirt, a compact disc and other items. "It's heartwarming, it was so exciting. I wanted to go up on stage and shake all their hands."
Wyandot Inc. and Magic 95.9 WYNT sponsored Friday evening's show. Pickens complimented the Palace Theatre for bringing The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards to Marion.
"Its' diversity in a very small town," she said. "I enjoy that."
Thanks!! Just what I needed!!*S*