Search - Temptations Review, Dennis Edwards :: Live at Casino San Pablo

Keepers of the flame

glenn | New York, New York | 06/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think "Live...." by Dennis and the Tempts Review is a pretty good CD. Lady Soul and Wish It Would Rain were led by David Sea (who does a fantastic job). Sea sang with David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks when they performed as a duo and later with Ruffin, Kendricks and Edwards. Notwithstanding the previous reviews, the sound quality is fair not "poor" to me. I would agree that Otis and Dennis would do better to overcome whatever differences they have and join forces for the good of the Temptations legacy. I hope in time they do. Since first hearing this CD I've seen the "Review" (as I like to call them) perform live and they clearly are much closer to the essential soul of the original Tempts than anything Otis' group can offer (I've seen his current group twice). Granted Dennis' "Review" are not and cannot claim to be the original Tempts, (The Tempts were a one of a kind group), but "Live at San Paulo" evokes memories of a golden era and is a welcome addition to the discography of the Tempts and their individual members."

WONDERFUL

Marzella Cleveland | Oakland, CA USA | 07/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was at the Casino San Pablo for this concert and it was wonderful!!! Everyone should purchase this CD because it will take you back to the good old days, and Dennis Edwards did a fantastic job putting this group together. The group member that sing's the lead vocals for "Rainy Night in Georgia, Lady Soul, and Wish It Would Rain" sounds just like Ollie Woodson and the late David Ruffin and Brook Benton. He has a great voice and is truly blessed with this voice!!!! Buy this CD. You will love it."

LISTEN FOR YOURSELF; PROOF IN PUDDING

VINCENT P TARSITANO | PORT ORANGE, FL USA | 05/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some reviewers of this set seem to have an ax to grind. It wouldn't be the first time, eh? I have probably ground a few myself. However, I do mostly try to be fair and [reasonably] objective in my reviews.



"What right does Dennis Edwards [the one chosen to replace the departing "original" Temp David Ruffin in 1968] have to form a new group..." "Why don't/can't Dennis Edwards and Otis Williams bury the hatchet and get back together..." "I can't see any good in this set."



Well, there is almost assuredly bad blood between original and founding Temptations member Otis Williams and Dennis Edwards. Mr. Edwards left, then returned on one or two occasions.



As for the results of this set...those speak for themselves. One can even sample excerpts from the tunes here.



OK, there is only one surviving member of the "classic" line-up of the Temptations, and that's Otis Williams, who is still recording and touring with his "continuing" group, which, in fact, has had some success with recent albums. That's all to his great credit. Additional fact: Otis Williams, great as he is, only had a few lines of lead singing in the "classic" years. Dennis Edwards, on the other hand, was prominently featured on many, many great hits and album cuts from 1968 into the late 70's and beyond. He had the formidable task of replacing one of THE classic singers of 60's music. He undoubtedly rose to the challenge. And, while not as compelling a singer as Mr. Ruffin, the Temps actually increased their pop and r&b sales [by any measure] after Dennis Edwards took his place in the group. Arguably, that was due do the producing genius of Norman Whitfield as much as any of the vocals.



That being said, if it were me, I wouldn't just roll over and relinquish that legacy, especially if I still had "the chops."



All one has to do is sample these tracks by this new "Temptations Revue" line-up to judge if the voice is still there (it amply is). And, the David who stands in for David Ruffin here has a remarkably similar vocal timbre, while the member who handles the late Eddie Kendricks' parts sounds fine, too. The band is quite tight, as well.



GO AHEAD, HAVE A LISTEN!!



[Plus, I think some props are in order for brother Dennis for doing such a great job of assembling a group the best approximates the sound of the "classic" years. Lovingly done, at that!]



The past is un-reclaimable. It's gone, gone, gone. But, you still have a living, performing ex-lead singer of the Temptations who still has "the chops." Fair is fair.



Now, only one question remains: With so many Temptations greatest hits collections and anthologies available, with original and re-mastered versions and deluxe or stripped-down packages, why would one want to have THIS collection??? Good question. Perhaps an answer would be, this is a live set that "currently" approximates the "original" Temptations sound better than anything else available if one wants to re-live the "old days." Better yet, maybe one should check out the Dennis Edwards Temptations Review when they come to your town, if you are a fan of the Temptations or classic Motown. Then, this set would be a souvenir of sorts. And, what's wrong with that???



Also, Otis Williams' re-assembled Temptations, which I saw in Florida in July, 2006, do a real good job of crowd-pleasing. This group includes former [for a very brief time] Spinners member J.C. Cameron [who sand lead on their classic, "It's a Shame."] who is an incredibly gifted vocalist. Plus, the replacement for the late, venerable bass Melvin Franklin, is vocally very strong.



How's THAT for a fair and balanced review? Happy listening!"