Divas Of Motown
London Hammersmith Apollo
13th November, 2009

View: stalls, middle, near front

All the artists were superbly backed by The Funk Brothers Band, led by original, Jack Ashford, who compered. Opening with Motown’s first female artiste, 79 year old Mable John, she’s a trooper who can still sing, running through a repertoire of blues-inspired songs. Brenda Holloway didn’t disappoint in her too-short spot, reinforcing the mystery of why she never achieved the status of Diana Ross. Every Little Bit Hurts was amazing. The first half closed with Chris Clark, who did credit to her catalogue, finishing with Do I Love You. The second half didn’t quite match it, The Supremes offering a fast, perfunctory run through their biggest UK hits. Closing was Thelma Houston, who has a fantastically strong voice, but spent most of her set running through a medley of Motown classics at the expense of her own material.

Reviewed by Dave Sallis
<< Back to Issue 372

Login Here

Free Newsletter


Subscribe to
our email newsletter by emailing:

anna.bowen@
metropolis.co.uk