MUSIC: Temptations Bring Motown to Rhode Island

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Ken Abrams, GoLocalWorcester Music Critic

A warm welcome greeted The Temptations Sunday night in Cranston as the Park Theatre hosted a sold out show by the legendary Detroit band. The award winning R&B group thrilled those in attendance with classic hits along with some new songs.

Tribeca

First up was Tribeca, a well-known RI band, the perfect choice to open the show. Singing before their idols, the vocal act performed a brief, but engaging set. Founding member Ron Campagnone joined the band onstage for tunes which included classics like Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and “I’ll Be Around,” originally recorded by the Spinners. If you like the classic R&B sound, check out Tribeca soon – like Del’s and coffee milk, they’re a local institution.

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The Temptations

Known for their chart topping hits “Just My Imagination,” “My Girl,” and “Ain’t to Proud to Beg,” The Temptations took the audience back to those celebrated Motown days. They rocked the house on their first #1 hit, “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” and added some 70’s funk to their classic “Papa was a Rolling Stone.”

Over the course of the evening, they belted out more hits including ”I’m Gonna Make You Love Me,” “Get Ready,” and a “new” song, “Stay,” from the album “Phoenix Rising,” recorded in 1998. And of course, they showed off their trademark dance moves to the delight of those in attendance.

A Winning Formula

The Temps are known for their vocal range – all members get at least one chance to sing lead during the show. Their 15 piece backing band really adds to the ambiance. Only one original member, Otis Williams remains on tour with the group, but the formula is the same – 5 guys harmonizing to a killer back-up band.

How important are the Temptations in the history of popular music? According to many critics including this one, they are as central in R&B music as the Beatles were to Rock and Roll. They’ve had 4 Billboard #1 hits, (14 on the R&B charts), were inducted to the Rock Hall of Fame in 1989, and have received numerous honors, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

Temptations Own the Town

The evening was topped off with a special welcome from the city of Cranston, as Mayor Fung declared Sunday “Temptations Day” in the city. A nice finish to a great evening!

The Park Theatre has more great shows ahead. Check their schedule for upcoming concerts including Mary Mary, Michael Bolton and the Beach Boys.

Ken Abrams reviews Roots, Rock and Blues for GoLocalProv. He can be reached at [email protected].

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