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Post by Weak4Weeks on May 22, 2006 14:04:54 GMT -5
THE TEMPTATIONS REVIEW HITS SAENGER By LAWRENCE SPECKER Alabama Press Register - Entertainment Reporter "If you remember the Temptations like they used to be, that's what we do." It couldn't get much more straightforward than that, Dennis Edwards' summary of the performance he'll bring to the Mobile Saenger Theatre on May 25th. Edwards is in a position to remember as well as anyone, given his history with the legendary group. Edwards was not a founding member -- but then, neither was David Ruffin, who led it during its rise to popularity in the early and middle '60s. Edwards took over for Ruffin in 1968, as the group's music was changing to reflect the social turmoil of the day. Hits during Edwards' time included "Runaway Child, Running Wild," "I Can't Get Next to You," "Ball of Confusion" and "Papa Was A Rolling Stone." He is a a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. The Review packages Edwards with younger singers who emulate the vocals and choreography of Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin and other original members. It's an experience that has never lost its fundamental joy, Edwards said. "Temptations music is international," he said. "All of a sudden, I think the younger generation is finding it all comes back to "I love you" and "I miss you." Edwards said the show will feature a 15-piece band, and that fans should expect the group to cover the full spectrum of emotion covered in the Temptations catalog. "We sing about a man and a woman and love," he said. "Bring your tears, bring your dancing shoes and bring your laughter." For those of you who haven't seen a photo of the group since Ali joined www.2006worldexpo.com/assets/i/temptations.jpg
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Post by Weak4Weeks on May 22, 2006 14:15:45 GMT -5
I was reading another board, and a poster mentioned his discomfort in Dennis' willingness to pretend that the REAL Tempts are non-existent. I agree. In EVERY interview I've seen from him I roll my eyes. He really doesn't present himself well to me. I DO plan to see this show, as soon as possible, now that ALI is in the group. I've heard some good things about their show since Ali joined. I wonder who designs their costumes. LOL. That sparkly stuff is kind of hard on the eyes. Dennis does look like he has slimmed down though, and ALI of course is looking Mighty Mighty. (gentlemen, excuse me while I have a "moment")
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Post by surfacethrills on May 23, 2006 9:47:57 GMT -5
I wonder who designs their costumes. LOL. That sparkly stuff is kind of hard of the eyes. I thought it was just me, but I've always thought that The Review's stage uniforms were terrible. Personally. I like a little classier look myself.
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Post by Weak4Weeks on May 23, 2006 10:09:46 GMT -5
LOL! I every picture I've seen of them, they are wearing something sparkly. Men and sparkles just don't DO it for me. Not to mention it usually has rainbows, or shooting stars, or a flag on it. It's just too much, is all. It's definitely not just YOU...(maybe it's just US?)
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Post by janebse on May 29, 2006 16:03:14 GMT -5
From Mobile. I did not go to see Dennis and Review at the Saenger. I have seen them many times. I did not see any newspaper reviews after the show, but that does not mean much since they rarely have reviews after a show. They ran an article before the show. However, in talking to my next door neighbors today, they said they had gone to a a minor league baseball game that night and Dennis and Review sang the Star Spangled Banner at the game. They did not think they were very good. The husband said "they were old and had probably lost their voices."
I am going to see The Temptations this weekend. I am looking forward to seeing the new show.
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Post by Weak4Weeks on May 30, 2006 11:16:03 GMT -5
From Mobile. I did not go to see Dennis and Review at the Saenger. I have seen them many times. I did not see any newspaper reviews after the show, but that does not mean much since they rarely have reviews after a show. They ran an article before the show. However, in talking to my next door neighbors today, they said they had gone to a a minor league baseball game that night and Dennis and Review sang the Star Spangled Banner at the game. They did not think they were very good. The husband said "they were old and had probably lost their voices." Hmmm... They knew that they WERE NOT the Tempts right? I have heard of many occasions where people go to Review shows and have NO idea that they aren't the Tempts. I do so hope this wasn't the case.... Have a wonderful time Jane! I know you will, and we are looking forward to reading your review of the show..
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Post by janebse on May 30, 2006 11:35:35 GMT -5
Unfortunately, they thought they were The Temptations. But I set them straight. I do not know what time the game started, obviously before the show, but since the temperatures are now in the 90's here with a humidity rate to match the temperature, it might have been difficult for the Review to garner much energy in an outdoor venue.
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Post by janebse on May 30, 2006 11:48:58 GMT -5
This doesn't belong in this thread exactly, but I am reading this book about the Beatles by their sound engineer who was there the day they made their first record right up to now working with Paul McCarney. He went to a Beatles concert in London when Beatlemania began, right after they had been invited to perform by the Queen. The noise was so loud you couldn't hear a note they sang. The girls were screaming, etc. That was the only concert he ever went to. He much preferred working with them in the studio where he got to hear the songs first hand. Interestingly, knowing of the Beatles propensity for humor and fooling around, he wondered if they were actually singing the song they were supposed to. And I too can imagine that it would be just like the Beatles to be singing something entirely different. I remember once Paul asking the audience to be quiet because their next song was a very quiet, rather sad song.
I went to a Temptations' concert 30 years ago at the New Orleans JazzFest where everyone was quiet, listening in awe to the Tempts sing. Sort of a worshipful silence as they listened to the blend of the voices. One of the workers at Motown once said, "Listening to the Tempts sing was like listening to the angels sing." And I think people felt that way on that hot May day. But now I think the Tempts would worry if they heard this silence. Sometimes I feel like tellilng the audience to be quiet so I can hear every word and note. And then I tell myself that is what records are for. Yet there is a difference; we all know the voices can be manipulated on records.
One moe note, this sound engineer said they often left mistakes in the final records of the Beatles because it made the record authentic. You were hearing humans sing.
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Post by Weak4Weeks on May 31, 2006 9:01:51 GMT -5
....since the temperatures are now in the 90's here with a humidity rate to match the temperature, it might have been difficult for the Review to garner much energy in an outdoor venue. It's about being professional...The Tempts are known for precision...LOL, okay, sorry for quoting that "damn movie" but it's true. I've seen the guys at plenty of outdoor venues and they have never had an "energy" issue. At least not one that was evident to the audience.
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