Motown Madness has been performed several times by Orchestra Kentucky over the years but somehow I never got to see it. So when it was noted that these were to be the last performances of the show I just had to clear my schedule. I’m glad I did. After all, who doesn’t like Motown? And who doesn’t like the way the Retro Series shows always bring the music they highlight to life?

One thing noted early on was there seemed to be less of a variety of singers in the spotlight, but the singers who did perform sang more songs. This is because several Motown artists were featured multiple times, and since individual Orchestra Kentucky singers took on the persona of those artists, they “became” that artist for the evening. So Billy Duvall, complete with sun glasses, did a wonderful job on several Stevie Wonder songs (he was also the young Michael Jackson, singing in falsetto), Darla Day became Diana Ross for the evening, Sandra Bunton covered Gladys Knight to a T, and T. Martel channeled the older Michael Jackson (including some of those famous dance steps). Tyrone Dunn and Kimmy Stofer were also featured singers. Everyone did a fantastic job.

Any set list that includes Motown hits just can’t go wrong. What guy can’t relate to the Temptation’s “My Girl” and what girl can’t relate to the Supremes’ “Stop in the Name of Love”? Anyone with a city background has to love “Dancin’ in the Streets”. Some standout performances were Sandra Bunton’s “Midnight Train to Georgia”, T. Martel’s “Billie Jean”, and the one I believe got the biggest ovation of the night, Darla Day’s rendition of Etta James’ “At Last”.

Now you R & B purists may be raising an eyebrow here. Since when is Etta James considered a Motown artist? Well, she’s not. Actually, Motown Madness is surprisingly not restricted to Motown artists and hits, but as director Jeffrey Reed stated, he gets to pick the songs. So a few non-Motown tunes were heard during the show. Tyrone Dunn’s signature song “Me and Mrs. Jones” went over extremely well (as it always does), and the O’Jays’ “Love Train” opened the second set. Getting back to the Motown, another great performance was “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, a group effort replicating the Supremes/Temptations ever-popular collaboration.

The Rewinders had more of a subdued influence in this show, providing mostly rhythm and not much lead. But Dave Horowitz laid down the essential bass lines so integral to Motown, and that often-prominent sax in the orchestra was highlighted several times during the show. Since many of the original Motown recordings included rich orchestral backing, the Orchestra Kentucky musicians fit in perfectly and did a great job of enriching the sound.

Time will tell if this really was the last opportunity to see “Motown Madness”. But if it comes around again, I would check it out. Go to www.orchestrakentucky.com, for info on upcoming events. Another Retro Series show coming up is the premier of “British Invasion” on March 3 & 4, 2012. I am particularly looking forward to that one. Like Motown, that all happened in the 60’s, which for me is the golden age of rock and roll.         

Orchestra Kentucky’s Motown Madness was held at Van Meter Hall, WKU on 2/3/2012.

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman