By Carl Dixon London (212.211.105.55 - 212.211.105.55) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 08:05 am:

I thought it would be appropriate to mention the wonderful evening I had at The London Palladium last Saturday watching what I thought was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Starring none other than Edwin Starr, Martha Reeves and their special guest Freda Payne, who between then sang some of the great Motown hits we love. Not just singing their own material, they proceeded to celebrate other artists hit records throughout the programme including The Four Tops, The Temptations, Mary Wells and Marvin Gaye. The energy level on stage from each of them was 110% and the friendly manner in which the audience was addressed about their history was fascinating. Martha spoke about her early days answering the telephone at Motown because she had arrived on the wrong day for an audition and Freda spoke highly of her times at Invictus and the politics behind her record �Bring the boys Home�. And �Band of Gold�, in my opinion, is one of the best from the 70�s and Freda sang it impeccably to an audience who probably could not believe their ears.

The band had to be one of the tightest I have ever witnessed in my life. I am often accused of being over critical with live music because it does not sound like the original record. These musicians were of the highest calibre and what they played seemed to come very natural, even joining in with the fun and banter on stage at times. The horn section was the best with a selection of saxophones neatly positioned next to the players, for when needed. The backing vocalists were fantastic and I cannot praise them enough for their renditions of the Motown songs they performed at centre stage under the spotlight, whilst the stars took a well-earned breather.

To hear Edwin praise Berry Gordy and then sing one of his first big hit compositions �Reet Petite� was wonderful. Jackie Wilson would have been proud. Martha spoke out to the audience as a true friend and clearly had a very special relationship with her fans there. She sang her heart out and looked fantastic and one of my personal favourites �In my lonely room� was sung and performed perfectly as was �Forget me Not�, two songs I never expected to hear that evening. I cannot put into words my feelings. At one point I had to dry my eyes, as I couldn�t see a thing as emotions took over at what I was witnessing. If the promoters have any sense at all they will book The Palladium and continue this series of Motown extravaganzas and ensure that the great sounds of Detroit are seen and heard by the public, the way they should be. I have no alternative but to contact Flying Music and give them my humble appraisal. Well done for a great, great evening � when is the next one?

By John Lester (213.1.129.178 - 213.1.129.178) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 08:31 am:

Carl....you tell it like it was...I can feel your vibes..