Post by FastNFancy on Jun 21, 2002 0:05:43 GMT -5
Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards
Saturday Night June 15, 2002
San Joaquin Fair, Stockton Ca.
A pleasant mix of nostalgia, love songs and the best Motown music was enough to lure a diverse crowd to the San Joaquin Fair for the first of two Saturday shows by the Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards.
The early show attracted an estimated audience of 2,500 that included parents and children of all ages, small groups of friends, couples and seniors. A visible security presence, improved access for those in wheelchairs, patriotic bunting and an oversized American flag behind the band added to the safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
Edwards, 59, who joined the Temptations in 1968, took to the stage promptly, joined by a quartet of talented singers -- Chris Arnold, Bernard Gibson, Mike Pattillo and David Sea.
They were highly visible in eye-popping, bright melon-pink suits with tan-and-white shoes. Their rhinestone-accented white pocket handkerchiefs sparkled in the early evening sun.
The quintet, one of two acts touring under the Temptations name, turned in a short but sweet 15-song, hour-long set of Temptations hits and classics. Well-choreographed medleys combined "Get Ready" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" at the start and "My Girl," "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" and "Stay" at the conclusion.
Mood shifts -- from high-energy dance to soulful ballads -- allowed the quintet to showcase its impressive vocals and harmonies and make a personal connection with audience members.
Funked-up versions of "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" and "Standing on the Top" struck a chord with the '70s-retro young adults. A humorous treatment of "Beauty is Only Skin Deep" had the quintet clowning onstage. The group also brought out Temptations classics including "Don't Look Back", "My Baby", "You'll Lose A Precious Love", and "The Way You Do the Things You Do" which inspired parents and children to sing along together.
Edwards also recognized the "lovely ladies here tonight" with an appropriately heartfelt "Lady Soul" and hopefully melancholy "Rainy Night in Georgia." Sea, Pattillo, Arnold and Gibson each were given an opportunity to take lead vocals. Pattillo's deep bass voice provoked small screams of female appreciation.
Near the end of their set, Edwards & Company paused for a brief tribute to "the late, great" Temptations who had passed away: founding members Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin and Eddie Kendricks, as well as David Ruffin, who joined the group in 1964. (Other founding member Otis Williams leads the other touring Temptations group.)
Edwards and the Temptations Review also paid tribute to the post-Sept. 11 spirit of America with a poignant and deeply moving rendition of "God Bless America" that had many audience members reaching for Kleenex. The inspirational performance earned a long standing ovation.
While most of the audience tended to remain polite and restrained -- although wiggling -- in their seats, their cheers of approval at each song's end made it clear they liked what they saw and heard.
Finally, Edwards was able to persuade the entire crowd to rise up and join in the trademark Temptations walk at the end of "My Girl."
The group's "orchestra" -- as it was described by Edwards -- included Rick Archer on guitar, Robert May on bass guitar, drummer Lewellyn Dunn and keyboardists Greg Dokes and Courtland Jones. They were supported by Vince Suzuki (tenor saxophone), Gary Kwek (baritone sax), Jonathan Dane and Phil Norris (trumpets) and Kevin Bradley (trombone).
Although technical problems marred the first few minutes, and later disrupted "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" midsong, the professionalism of the performers and the patient understanding of the audience neutralized the effects of overamplification, fuzzy feedback and loss of amplification.
As the crowd filed out, only smiles and laughter were evident.
Saturday Night June 15, 2002
San Joaquin Fair, Stockton Ca.
A pleasant mix of nostalgia, love songs and the best Motown music was enough to lure a diverse crowd to the San Joaquin Fair for the first of two Saturday shows by the Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards.
The early show attracted an estimated audience of 2,500 that included parents and children of all ages, small groups of friends, couples and seniors. A visible security presence, improved access for those in wheelchairs, patriotic bunting and an oversized American flag behind the band added to the safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
Edwards, 59, who joined the Temptations in 1968, took to the stage promptly, joined by a quartet of talented singers -- Chris Arnold, Bernard Gibson, Mike Pattillo and David Sea.
They were highly visible in eye-popping, bright melon-pink suits with tan-and-white shoes. Their rhinestone-accented white pocket handkerchiefs sparkled in the early evening sun.
The quintet, one of two acts touring under the Temptations name, turned in a short but sweet 15-song, hour-long set of Temptations hits and classics. Well-choreographed medleys combined "Get Ready" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" at the start and "My Girl," "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" and "Stay" at the conclusion.
Mood shifts -- from high-energy dance to soulful ballads -- allowed the quintet to showcase its impressive vocals and harmonies and make a personal connection with audience members.
Funked-up versions of "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" and "Standing on the Top" struck a chord with the '70s-retro young adults. A humorous treatment of "Beauty is Only Skin Deep" had the quintet clowning onstage. The group also brought out Temptations classics including "Don't Look Back", "My Baby", "You'll Lose A Precious Love", and "The Way You Do the Things You Do" which inspired parents and children to sing along together.
Edwards also recognized the "lovely ladies here tonight" with an appropriately heartfelt "Lady Soul" and hopefully melancholy "Rainy Night in Georgia." Sea, Pattillo, Arnold and Gibson each were given an opportunity to take lead vocals. Pattillo's deep bass voice provoked small screams of female appreciation.
Near the end of their set, Edwards & Company paused for a brief tribute to "the late, great" Temptations who had passed away: founding members Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin and Eddie Kendricks, as well as David Ruffin, who joined the group in 1964. (Other founding member Otis Williams leads the other touring Temptations group.)
Edwards and the Temptations Review also paid tribute to the post-Sept. 11 spirit of America with a poignant and deeply moving rendition of "God Bless America" that had many audience members reaching for Kleenex. The inspirational performance earned a long standing ovation.
While most of the audience tended to remain polite and restrained -- although wiggling -- in their seats, their cheers of approval at each song's end made it clear they liked what they saw and heard.
Finally, Edwards was able to persuade the entire crowd to rise up and join in the trademark Temptations walk at the end of "My Girl."
The group's "orchestra" -- as it was described by Edwards -- included Rick Archer on guitar, Robert May on bass guitar, drummer Lewellyn Dunn and keyboardists Greg Dokes and Courtland Jones. They were supported by Vince Suzuki (tenor saxophone), Gary Kwek (baritone sax), Jonathan Dane and Phil Norris (trumpets) and Kevin Bradley (trombone).
Although technical problems marred the first few minutes, and later disrupted "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" midsong, the professionalism of the performers and the patient understanding of the audience neutralized the effects of overamplification, fuzzy feedback and loss of amplification.
As the crowd filed out, only smiles and laughter were evident.