Post by janebse on May 23, 2004 7:32:53 GMT -5
This is not exactly a Temptations concert review but the review of a Temptations experience:
Yesterday I visited the "Eddie Kendricks and The Temptations Memorial Park" in Birmingham, Alabama. Since so many of the Temptations, particularly a very important part of The Classic Five, have been from Birmingham and Alabama, it was fitting that Birmingham erect statues and a park.
It was located downtown, two blocks from the IMAX, on a corner. I was surprised at how beautifully landscaped it was and impressed with how well-maintained it was. Cities often establish something and then do nothing more, letting it gradually deteriorate.
There were trees providing shades with a bench before the Memorial so that one might sit and listen. Listen to what? Temptation music, of course. All day long The Temptations' songs ring out, making it a very meaningful monument. There were five statues with Eddie doing the lead singing and the others pictured in a movement from The Temptation walk. The statues weren't accurate depictions of the Tempts, more what artists call "simulations", although Eddie's had his high cheek bones and David's wore his trade-mark glasses. And below the stage were stars with their names and place of birth. Three from Birmingham, one from Montgomery, Alabama, one from Whynot, MS which David always described as the "Why" being in Mississippi and the "not" in Alabama. Otis Williams who was born in Texarkana was described on his star as "Otis Williams, Founder of the Temptations." Eddie's star was placed on the stage in front of his statue.
On the sidewalk that you use to walk through the park and by the stage are embedded white "musical notes".
There were a couple of people sitting on the bench listening to the music when we arrived.
I had seen a picture of the stage and statue, but nothing was said about the music being constantly played nor the ambience of the park. While I had first envisioned that such a visit would be a sad note, it wasn't. The beauty of the park, the beauty of the music, and the delightful imagery done by the sculptor all went to providing a joyful moment, and a sense of pride in Birmingham at building such a meaingful monument.
It isn't a big park but meaningful moments are not created by grandiose monuments. A sense of awe is created by the Grand Canyon, but a meaningful moment can be created by a small tree against a setting sun.
You hear the music clearly and cleanly. No scratchy record or poor track. It isn't brazenly loud nor annoyingly soft. Just right. The marble background of the stage, besides having "Eddie Kendricks and the Temptations Memorial Park" carved on it, has the names of Temptations' songs.
I think hearing the music was the biggest surprise. And I complilment the people who constructed the monument and added that perfect touch.
Yesterday I visited the "Eddie Kendricks and The Temptations Memorial Park" in Birmingham, Alabama. Since so many of the Temptations, particularly a very important part of The Classic Five, have been from Birmingham and Alabama, it was fitting that Birmingham erect statues and a park.
It was located downtown, two blocks from the IMAX, on a corner. I was surprised at how beautifully landscaped it was and impressed with how well-maintained it was. Cities often establish something and then do nothing more, letting it gradually deteriorate.
There were trees providing shades with a bench before the Memorial so that one might sit and listen. Listen to what? Temptation music, of course. All day long The Temptations' songs ring out, making it a very meaningful monument. There were five statues with Eddie doing the lead singing and the others pictured in a movement from The Temptation walk. The statues weren't accurate depictions of the Tempts, more what artists call "simulations", although Eddie's had his high cheek bones and David's wore his trade-mark glasses. And below the stage were stars with their names and place of birth. Three from Birmingham, one from Montgomery, Alabama, one from Whynot, MS which David always described as the "Why" being in Mississippi and the "not" in Alabama. Otis Williams who was born in Texarkana was described on his star as "Otis Williams, Founder of the Temptations." Eddie's star was placed on the stage in front of his statue.
On the sidewalk that you use to walk through the park and by the stage are embedded white "musical notes".
There were a couple of people sitting on the bench listening to the music when we arrived.
I had seen a picture of the stage and statue, but nothing was said about the music being constantly played nor the ambience of the park. While I had first envisioned that such a visit would be a sad note, it wasn't. The beauty of the park, the beauty of the music, and the delightful imagery done by the sculptor all went to providing a joyful moment, and a sense of pride in Birmingham at building such a meaingful monument.
It isn't a big park but meaningful moments are not created by grandiose monuments. A sense of awe is created by the Grand Canyon, but a meaningful moment can be created by a small tree against a setting sun.
You hear the music clearly and cleanly. No scratchy record or poor track. It isn't brazenly loud nor annoyingly soft. Just right. The marble background of the stage, besides having "Eddie Kendricks and the Temptations Memorial Park" carved on it, has the names of Temptations' songs.
I think hearing the music was the biggest surprise. And I complilment the people who constructed the monument and added that perfect touch.