Post by tempfan on Apr 24, 2006 13:05:18 GMT -5
MOTOWN'S TEMPTATIONS DELIGHTS OUR TOWN
Gerry Krochak, Regina Leader-Post
Sometimes you can go back -- if only for a while. Despite only one original member (Otis Williams) still in the fold, The Temptations were successful in taking a near-capacity Casino Regina Show Lounge crowd and transporting them back to a time when vocal groups, smooth soul, pop, R&B and the Motown sound ruled Hitsville, U.S.A. and beyond.
The material is timeless and despite a sound mix that wasn't always what it could have been, Williams along with Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon and Ex-Spinners vocalist G.C. Cameron satisfied on all accounts. This was no cheap revival.
Flanked by a 15-piece orchestra, which included a local 10-piece horn section, The Temps opened the show with "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)," immediately breaking into the sharp choreography that became a trademark of vocal bands in the day.
Dressed in snappy black and white pseudo-tuxedos, the sweet harmonies filled the room on "The Way You Do The Things You Do" and the monster hit "Ain't Too Proud To Beg," which received the loudest cheers of the evening up to that point.
The wide-ranging crowd lapped up the rich musical history taking place before them when the group broke into "I Wish It Would Rain" and glorious interpretations of the 1971 platinum record "Just My Imagination" as well as "Papa Was A Rolling Stone."
The immense vocal talent on stage became even more obvious as the group huddled close together for a street corner acapella version of "You Are So Necessary," before a lively and exciting burst of the Smokey Robinson-penned classic "Get Ready."
The group caught its collective breath as Williams gave thanks for the 45 years of love, support and blessings he has received as a member of The Temptations. The throng roared its approval as the original led his troops through "Stay," a later single from the group's 57th album, Phoenix Rising, which spent 11 weeks at the top of the urban charts in 1998.
The group continued to pour it on with the smooth soul sounds of "Treat Her Like A Lady" and "Since I Lost My Baby," before the inevitable showstopper "My Girl." Half of the crowd sprang to its feet for one of the greatest songs of all time, likely wondering how the other half could possibly remain sitting.
The group exited stage right as the band played on, quickly reappearing for a deserved encore which included "I'm Losing You" and a cover of "Can I Get A Witness?" from their current Reflections album.
In a classy show close, Williams, Herndon, Weeks, Tyson and Cameron came forward from the stage for handshakes and hugs, and to sign autographs for a few folks who had brought some vintage LPs and photos.
It's always better late than never, and for one triumphant performance, Regina got to experience the lasting excitement of Motown -- up close and personal.