One of the biggest names associated with any genre of music has to be Smokey Robinson and Rhythm and Blues Music. Along with Motown Records, you could say that all three go hand in hand. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Robinson, and his band enjoyed an intimate performance at the Fallsview Casino last Thursday night.
Robinson, who could be the best looking 72 year old on the planet, came with a band that included two keyboard players, a flute & sax player, three backup vocalists, a guitarist, bassist, drummer and two dancers. What hasn’t been said that has already? Robinson has enjoyed a storied career in music and is highly regarded as one of the best songwriters of a generation.
Robinson’s smooth mellow voice was in tip top shape the entire night. “Love Bath” and “ooo Baby Baby” were prime examples of this. Robinson was also master of ceremonies as he played, joked around with the crowd and kept fans entertained between songs. He told stories of Motown Records and how he wrote The Temptations first number one song “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” He and the band proceeded to give the fans a medley from the The Temptations. He sang face-to-face with one of his backup vocalists on “Being with You.”
During his set, Robinson pointed out things about Motown, including the gentleman who wrote and produced “Dancing in the Streets,” William “Mickey” Stevenson, who was in the fourth row enjoying the show. Mickey was treated to a round of applause and Smokey gave thanks to him.
Not only did fans who came get to see a living legend, they were treated to a music history lesson as well. Considering who was telling the stories, I, for one, was attentive and soaking it all up. It was like a two for one price of admission for the fans in attendance!
Setlist:
Going to a Go Go
I Second that Emotion
Really Got a Hold on Me
Quiet Storm
ooo Baby Baby
The Way You do the Things you Do/Get Ready/My Girl (The Temptations medley)
Tears of a Clown
Don’t Know Why Fly Me to the Moon
Can’t Give You Anything but Love
Being With You
Time Flies When Your Having Fun
Love Bath
That Place
Just to See Her
The Tracks of My Tears
Encore:
Cruisin’
We would like to thank the Fallsview Casino for allowing BackstageAxxess to review the show.
