SHOW REVIEWS - MARCH 2005
March 7, 2005 - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas At B.B. King's In N.Y.C.
On Monday, March 7th, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas appeared at B. B. Kings' in N.Y.C. Martha & her sisters Lois & Delphine had the standing room only crowd, eating out of the palms of their hands.
The girls came out sounding & looking GREAT! They opened with Ready For Love & ended it with a rousing rendition of the classic, Dancing In The Street & the crowd was with them every step of the way.
In between, Martha & the girls sang classics like Come & Get These Memories, Nowhere To Run, Love Makes Me Do Foolish Things, Heatwave & Higher & Higher. They paid homage to Marvin Gaye & sang a damn good version of What's Goin' On.
In the middle of What's Goin' On, Martha let the band vamp for awhile, while they exited stage left. The band & The Uptown Horns from N.Y.C., kicked some serious butt!! Those brothers are some tight musicians!
These ladies were MARVELOUS & I watched the way that they interacted onstage & it was like watching one being. Delphine would shoot a glance & a smile at Lois & you could see the joy that they were receiving from entertaining us. Lois has a smile that just won't quit & was dazzling & Delphine likewise! They paid homage to Jackie Wilson when they sang Higher & Higher & to Johnny Bristol as well, singing...No One There, Never Alone.
And then there's Martha!!
Martha absolutely held the crowd in the palm of her hands. She wrung every ounce of emotion out of her songs. You not only heard her, you FELT her! And believe me, that audience was there to love Martha & the feeling was mutual. Martha has some of the most loyal fans imaginable. In attendance were such luminaries as Arlene Smith of The Chantels, June Monteiro of The Toys, Lillian Walker of The Exciters, Martha's auto-biographer Mark Bego, Thomas Ingrassia & of course Larry Cotton of "In The Basement" Magazine.
I found all of the girls to be most gracious & EXTREMELY fan-friendly & appreciative of the love being showered upon them. As for Martha, Martha was nothing short of wonderful! After a whirlwind of a day, Martha was a trouper till the end & signed anything that anyone wanted, took as many pictures as anyone wanted.
Martha was a STAR in every sense of the word. She returned every bit of love that she received right back to the fans & GAVE AWAY color photos that she personalized for everyone who asked. She made time to talk to EVERYONE who approached her & even after a gentleman took 2 of the blurriest pictures of me with the girls, she was gracious enough to let me come back & have a second go round.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the rousing version that Martha & the girls gave while singing her new song, WATCH YOUR BACK. This song is a very danceable blues style song that swings!!! It is a damn good song & I look forward to hearing it again soon.
As I looked at all the the faces in the crowd & saw how some of them looked like they were in a trance, I thought to myself, "My God, what a survivor"! I never saw Martha up close in performance before, but watching her handle the crowd on-stage & how cordial & straight-forward she was with her fans AFTER the show, I gained even more respect for Martha.
I've seen artists with nowhere her credentials treat their fans like garbage. These folks run around because their record was jsut certified TIN & they have 36 bodyguards, wear shades at midnight & have no time for their fans. Martha spoke to these people BY NAME. There was no such thing as an unimportant person in that crowd. The only thing missing was a barbecue grill & some Kool-Aid!
She had to be exhausted & when I left, it was after 1. Martha was still sitting at that table signing FREE color photos & whatever anyone wanted. And it wasn't like a Baseball card show, where you pay your money, get a fake smile, then get rushed on your way. Martha & the girls TALKED to us & if a picture didn't come out right, she was more than willing to re-take the photo, with a patient smile & a re-assuring word. I gained even more respect for Martha. She even had a photography tip for me. Thanks Martha! The lady knows her stuff
In summation, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas were nothing less than a total smash & I would love to see these ladies perform again. Martha Reeves & The Vandellas give it up, for real!
March 15, 2005 - PBS Taping: Doo Wop/Motown Segment At The Sands Casino in Atlantic City
DAY ONE - DOO WOP MEETS MOTOWN
On Monday night, the show started with a little group harmony. Kicking things off were The Five Boroughs & these fellas sounded great. They brought back memories of being a kid in the 60s, listening to my cousins & the fellas singing those ballads for the girls. They sang "Morse Code Of Love" & "Recess In Heaven". These fellas laid down some great group harmony & were true to its roots.
Frankie Ervin sang with The Five Boroughs backing him up. He sang "You Cheated" & did justice to the 1958 classic by The Shields.
Next up was Susan DeLuca & Pure Gold & as usual, they sounded excellent. They sang "Sh Boom", "So In Love" & "Let It Please Be You". They harmonize like no ones' business & Sidney must have the deepest voice that I've ever heard. The girl of the group, Susan DeLuca has a smoky tone & sounds right at home singing in this style.
Next up was Fred Parris of The Five Satins. Fred was backed by Pure Gold & the set was excellent. They sang a medley of classic Doo Wop songs & closed with "In The Still Of The Night". It was a pleasure to hear Fred sing again & I look forward to seeing him & Richie Freeman getting on the stage again & soon.
Next onstage, was Terry Johnson & His Flamingos & they sounded very nice, very nice. Terry & The Flamingos sang classics such as "Love Walked In", "Mio Amore", an accapella version of "I'll Be Home", "Lovers Never Say Goodbye" & the etheral, "I Only Have Eyes For You". No matter how many times we hear them, these songs just never grow old.
Terry explained the origins of I Only Have Eyes For You. He traced the lineage of the song going back to Warren Dubin in 1936, up to his soaring falsetto throughout the song. It's great to see Terry still around & sounding great.
Closing out the DooWop segment on day 1, was Pure Gold. I wish that they had time to sing I'm Not Gonna Be A Fool For You Baby. They do a great job on that song & I never tire of hearing it.
Click HERE For Photos Of The Doo Wop Segment
Which led us to.....
THE MOTOWN SOUND!!!
Mary Wilson came out as co-host, looking as good as candy & read some promos for the special. Mary was in good spirits & looked absolutely dazzling! Martha Reeves attended in a co-hosting capacity as well & Martha was wonderful. After the legendary Motown Ladies performed their duties, out came........
Jack Ashford, Joe Hunter & Their BADDDD *SSSS BAND!!
Fresh from their appearance on The David Letterman Show, Jack, Joe & Co. was whisked to The Sands Casino & they indeed hit the stage in style. The band was hitting & Misses Princetta Saray & Jacki Diamond & Mr. Larry Johnson were on point & sounding good! We didn't get to see Kelly Craig play two horns at the same time, but the band was on & the energy was definitely kicked up a gear or ten.
They performed "You Really Got A Hold On Me", "Goin' To A Go-Go" & a kick-ass version of "Shotgun"! This band SMOKES, the girls are dynamite & Larry definitely does his thing. I sum it up by stating simply, Jack Ashford, Joe Hunter & Their BADDDDD *SSSSSSS Band are SMOKING!!!
After Jack & Joe, the Contours were up & yes, the fans loved them. They sang the classic cuts, "Just A Little Misunderstanding", "First I Look At The Purse", "Shake Sherry" & closed with a rousing version of "Do You Love Me". Believe me when I rell you that The Contours can still can go!
Next up, was the LEGEND herself, Miss Gladys Horton, backed by Marvelettes for a day, the ladies of Joe Harris' Undisputed Truth - Daisy Love, Jaki G & Denise.
Gladys sang "Please Mr. Postman", "Too Many Fish In The Sea", "Playboy" & "Beechwood 4-5789". It was nice to see Gladys back on stage again.
Next up, were The Velvelettes. It was great seeing these ladies & they look lovely. They sang "He Was Really Saying Something" & "Needle In A haystack". They sounded good & I look forward to seeing more of these lovely ladies!!
Next it was time for Brenda Holloway. Brenda stepped onto the stage LOOKING GOOD!!! I was so used to hearing her Motown vocals, which were smooth & silky. I was totally blown away from the strength of her voice. She blew some seriously soulful notes! I mean Brenda was blowing & blowing seriously. I had never heard her sing that way before & I was sitting there thinking, "Why isn't this woman on a major label?"
Brenda sang "Just Look What You've Done", "You've Made Me So Very Happy", "Every Little Bit Hurts" & "When I'm Gone". Brenda hasn't lost a thing & she is absolutely stunning! She has everything that it takes & her voice should be heard by a wider audience. She is STILL THAT GOOD!!!
The audience loved it when she sang When I'm Gone, but was totally mesmerized when she sang Every Little Bit Hurts! She held onto notes & wouldn't let them go. She was dynamic & I sure hope that she makes it to my neck of the woods soon. I'd definitely pay to catch her act!
Next up was Kim Weston & it was nice to see Kim performing again. Kim was enjoying herself & the crowd was loving her. Kim even sat at the piano & graced the audience with a song.
Kim sang "Take Me In Your Arms", "Helpless", "Looking For The Right Guy". Backing Kim was the loquacious & funny Pat Lewis of The Andantes. She still sounds great!
Next was a rare treat, the lovely & vivacious Ms Frances Nero. Frances was indeed a rare treat & it was nice to see her perform, as I had only heard about her & had never seen her perform. Frances was good & a real trouper. Frances sang "Keep On Loving Me" & was quite good.
Frances is also a lot of fun to be around. I would truly love to hear more from Ms Nero & I thank T.J. for bringing her from out of the shadows. It was a pleasure to hear her perform.
Backing all of the Motown artists was Jack Ashford, His Motown Brother, Joe Hunter & Their Baddd *sssss Band Of Gold! That's my personal name for them, because they are BAD & that means good. They go by the name of Jack Ashford, His Motown Brother, Joe Hunter & Band.
That was the end of the taping for Day One & it was very enjoyable for all. I look forward to seeing this PBS Special, it should be quite special.
March 16, 2005 - PBS Taping Day Two. Part 1: Tribute To Levi Stubbs At The Sands Casino In Atlantic City
On Tuesday, March 16th, we were graced by the presence of one of our greatest voices & one of our musical natural resources...Mr. Levi Stubbs!
It was a joy to see Levi, whether he sang or not. The audience & his peers were just glad to be in his presence. The crowd was beside themselves out of the sheer joy of seeing Levi amongst them in the audience.
Levi was accompanied by his family & they are indeed a nice family. They are very attentive & you can see the love & concern that they all have for Levi. Levi was enjoying himself tremendously & to see the respect that he garners amongst his peers is a beautiful thing.
Levi was accompanied by daughters Deborah, Beverly & Kelly, grandsons Ameer & Gary & niece Rhonda. Also turning out for the salute to Levi was The Four Tops, their musical director George Roundtree & his wife Beverly & Pete Moore of The Miracles.
It was indeed a wonderful night & a very emotional one as well. I hope to one day see Levi sing again. I'd be willing to simply hear him sing one verse. That would be more than enough for me.
Congratulations to T.J. & Herman Lubinsky & Henry & Susan DeLuca. Their sensitivity, respect & love, really shined through here. The Stubbs family was definitely appreciative of the first class treatment that they all received every step of the way.
You couldn't help but feel goose bumps when Levi came out with his family. There are times when your heart skips a beat & you feel a rush of energy. That night was one of those nights. It was truly an honor to be there.
THE FOUR TOPS SALUTE LEVI!
These gentlemen were smooth as silk & sounded excellent. Did anyone expect anything other than that?? As they walked on stage to a rousing, heartfelt ovation, they each looked at Levi & you could feel the emotion that they were feeling. To be in that room, was to know that you were witnessing something special.
Also on hand to celebrate, were Louvain Demps & Pat Lewis of The Andantes & they were beaming from ear to ear! Louvain also praised The Four Tops for being one of the few people who ever gave them extra ducats for singing on their songs. Also helping to celebrate the evening were Andantes for a night, the lovely ladies of The Undisputed Truth: Dazee Luv, Denise Stubbs & Jaki G.
March 16, 2005 - PBS Taping Day Two. Part 2: DooWop At The Sands Casino In Atlantic City
Following the emotional appearance of the great Levi Stubbs & The Four Tops, were Speedoo & The Cadillacs. From an emotional standpoint, that could have been a difficult act to follow. Professionals that Speedoo & The Cadillacs are, they came through with flying colors.
First of all, they came out there looking SHARP!!! That's what's missing from so many of todays' acts. They come out on stage, pants hanging off of their behinds, in T-shirts & just looking like escapees from The Little Rascals. But every one of these groups were dressed tastefully & classy.
The second thing that stood out is that these gentlemen came to PERFORM. Speedoo & The Cadillacs were singing, strutting & doing their thing. As a 44 year old, their constant moving & energy made me feel ashamed of myself. As I watched them moving across that stage, visions of joining a health club drifted through my mind!
Speedoo & The Cadillacs GAVE...IT...UP & held nothing back! They are consumate performers & the crowd thoroughly enjoyed their set. Speedoo & The Cadillacs filled me with wonder & a
sense of pride. Lord knows that these pioneers are still sounding great & in a perfect world, they'd be headlining monthly at the biggest & best venues everywhere. They are indeed worthy of that. God bless you gentlemen!
Next up was Willie Winfield & The Harptones. The harmonies that they sang....WHEW! MIND BLOWING!!! The pureness of their tone & the diction...superb. When Willie told me his age,
you could have knocked me over with a feather. Willie has to be living right, Dorian Gray has nothing on Willie! Whatever his diet is, I want to know...NOW!!!
Next, were Herb Cox & The Cleftones. Now, The Cleftones
were wonderful & the gear...Classy & tasteful. And their performance...GREAT!!! Herb even shared a few stories about The South Jamaica Projects. That makes Herb a definite dyed in the wool New Yorker!!
Next up was Gene Pitt & The Jive Five. The Jive Five were in fine voice as always & Gene Pitt hasn't lost a thing. Their vocals are dead-on & they replicate the sounds of their classic songs to the T! It was indeed a pleasure meeting them & watching them perform. As with most of the classic Doo Wop groups, these fellas deserve a PHD in musicology. I look forward to hearing them perform soon & being a fellow Brooklynite, I'm proud of their musical legacy!
Next up was Jerry Butler. Jerry sounds a great as ever & when they call him The Iceman, they nailed it on the head! This man just never lets you see him sweat. Backing Jerry was Pure Gold & Ms Deborah Stubbs of The Undisputed Truth. Like fine wine, Jerry just keeps getting better with time!
Next, The Duprees stepped center stage. The sang their timeless classic, "You Belong To Me". Though it was on the Pop side of Doo Wop, that song is indeed a classic & the harmonies are exquisite. Even a Soul music fan like me can appreciate their crystal clear vocals & again, those harmonies still sound sweet.
Next, The Bobbettes were up & as always, they shouted out their teacher, Mr. Lee. They explained the origins of the song, as well as how they tried to avoid being typecast, by finally having to "kill" off Mr. Lee.
Next up was Earl Lewis & The Channels. I was looking forward to hearing them. It was good to see Earl & The Channels. Mr. Lewis has still got it. Earl Lewis & The Channels have an excellent sound & it was an added bonus to hear my friend Joe Rivera sing.
Closing the taping on Day Two, were The Regents. The Regents sang their timeless classic, "Barbara Ann" & memories of Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys immediately came to mind. The Regents acquitted themselves well & provided a nice ending to an emotional evening, filled with great performances.
March 17, 2005 - PBS Taping At The Sands Casino In Atlantic City - Day 3: Doo Wop
Day 3 of the PBS taping had the theme: "Doo Wop - Lost & Found" & it was a great night of music.
Getting the night underway was Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge. Johnny & The Brooklyn Bridge were in fine form. They began their set with "16 Candles", the hit that Johnny sang with The Crests. For those who weren't aware, the sister of Luther Vandross, Patricia, sang with The Crests.
Johnny then performed some of the hits that he made as a member of both groups. The highlights were ""Worst That Could Happen", "The Angels Listened In", "Step By Step" & "Trouble In Paradise". Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge got the night off to a rousing start.
Next, was Herb Reed & The Platters & they were very entertaining. Herb has a wicked sense of humor & he showcased it to tremendous effect. They performed many of their classic hits & sounded great. Lead singer, Wayne Miller led them through "Twilight Time", "The Magic Touch", "Only You", "The Great Pretender", "Harbor Lights", "My Prayer" & "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".
The harmonies supplied by William Newton, Billy Cox & the girl of the group, D. D. Martin, was crystal clear & with the bottom being held down by Paul, they sounded true to the original.
Next on stage, was Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners. They put on a good show. They sang most of their hits, the highlights being, "This I Swear", "Pennies From Heaven", "I Can Dream, Can't I" & "Since I Don't Have You".
Another highlight came when Jimmy Beaumont fan, Kay Fodor, approached the stage & in keeping with the spirit of St. Patricks' Day, gave Jimmy 2 green carnations. Kay was in heaven for the rest of the evening!
Pookie Hudson & The Spaniels were next & they sounded very good. Pookie sounded great, his voice was clear as a bell. Pookie & The Spaniels were in wonderful form, singing "Stormy Weather", "Peace OF Mind" & "Goodnight Sweetheart". Pookie Hudson & The Spaniels were as smooth as silk & as cool as the other side of the pillow.
Reunion & The StreetHeart Girls were the next two acts & they were true to the harmonies of the '50s Doo Wop sound.
Bobby Lester's Moonglows were next & they were excellent. They began their set with the classic, "Most Of All". The crowd went nuts when Harvey Fuqua walked onto stage. They commenced to sing many of their hits, utilizing that classic "Blow Harmony" on songs such as, "Please Send Me Somebody To Love", "Sincerely", "In My Diary", "See Saw" & "Ten Commandments OF Love".
Tony Middleton & The Willows came out & sang their classic, "Church Bells may Ring" & sounded as if they've never left the stage.
Grady Chapman & The Robins were next & they put on a great show. They were very animated & entertained the crowd with their renditions of "Riot In Cell Block # 9", "Smokey Joe's Cafe'" & "A Fool Such As I". The Robins were good & were very entertaining.
Kenny Vance & The Planotones came on next & they were excellent. They sang "Looking For An Echo" & "Diamonds & Pearls". What harmonies & Kenny Vance has one hell of a voice!
That was the end of 3 days of hard work & an excellent ending to 3 days, filled with fun & comraderie. As always, T. J. & Henry Lubinsky & Henry & Susan DeLuca put on a great production & the artists had a great time, as did the crowd. I look forward to the next PBS taping.
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