FLOS perform Up the Ladder to the Roof

[smark21]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbW21Zn4NpM

[Kamasu_Jr]

Well, that sucked. Frankly, they need to do something else. They seem tired and stuck in a rut. Joyce seems bored and she's not being herself, dressed in a wig with her boobs pushed up that's not who she is. Lynda and Scherrie were good on the RTL tour. They looked good and gave solid support to Diana Ross. But I see that was their last hurrah. Lynda sounds bad and Scherrie is just doing the routine.

[marv2]

I take it that Lynda Laurence is singing the lead here? Regardless, as I said a few moments ago in another thread, I do not enjoy this. Whenever I've heard the FLO's perform a classic Supremes' song, I can barely recognize the song. This is just not my bag.

[marv2]

Here they are performing "Where Did Our Love Go?" from the same concert:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb-UxjFuXi0#at=23

[marybrewster]

All I can say is : wow. And not a good wow.

It's tough to be so critical of the Flos because I respect Scherrie and Lynda [[and Joyce) so much but.....

In the "Up the Ladder" clip, Lynda, [[almost) WORD FOR WORD, gives the SAME introduction she did 2+ decades earlier on BBC TV, which suggests to me that the FLOs have been doing the SAME show, song after song, for just as long. How stale.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt9hgrnOeVE

And I know over the years it's been discussed how the 70's Supremes "recycled" gowns; it seems to me the FLOs have been wearing the same 3 or 4 sets for YEARS. Being a "performace artist", I KNOW that you can have quality stagewear designed and created very inexpensively. I'm certain that the FLOs could have 3-4 NEW sets made for less than $1000.00. Hell, you could even buy off the RACK for that much.

Lastly, can;t the FLOs get ANY gigs in the US? Certainly there must be a "street fair" or a casino that would book them, based on the "novelty" of the Supremes alone. It's RARE that I ever hear that they are in the States; if they are, I wouldn't have any idea how to find out where they are playing.

Overall, I think Scherrie and Lynda [[and Joyce) are talented; it just seems they need a major overhaul. New music, new costumes, new venues.

[mistercarter2u]

People are too darned hard on the FLO's! Both Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence have incredible voices, and their group always entertains. They do not sound anything like the Supremes' recordings of the songs they perform [[except when Scherrie sings lead on "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do The Walking" and "You're My Driving Wheel"),but then again, how many groups - even those with original lead singers - perform their old songs exactly as they were first recorded? Not many! People criticize the FLO's due to the fact that they are not the original Supremes, but then again, they do not claim to be the originals. It is high time that people stop dogging Scherrie and Lynda and appreciate their talents.

As for them performing in the US, I do not know why they so seldom do. Maybe it is because Mary Wilson continues to perform in the states quite a bit, and she may be better known here. As badly as I would like to see Scherrie and Lynda in the USA more often, perhaps it is a good thing that they have so much of their following in Europe and abroad. I adore Mary and would not want to see Scherrie and Lynda's group in direct competition with her on US shores.

As for the FLO's, they have a new CD coming this fall, and I am really excited about it!

[Kamasu_Jr]

The Flos do need new songs, new energy, costumes and whatever. I've viewed some recent FLOS footage, it wasn't good. I don't care about them not being not being originals, but they seem to just be going through the motions. They do have a new album coming, but how many songs on it will be originals?

[Roberta75]

Here they are performing "Where Did Our Love Go?" from the same concert:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb-UxjFuXi0#at=23

You cant stand FLOS music and have made some very ungentlemanly comments about Miss Lynda Lawrence in the past but you sure can whip out you tube clips of they music at the drop of a hat. lol

[Roberta75]

People are too darned hard on the FLO's! Both Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence have incredible voices, and their group always entertains. They do not sound anything like the Supremes' recordings of the songs they perform [[except when Scherrie sings lead on "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do The Walking" and "You're My Driving Wheel"),but then again, how many groups - even those with original lead singers - perform their old songs exactly as they were first recorded? Not many! People criticize the FLO's due to the fact that they are not the original Supremes, but then again, they do not claim to be the originals. It is high time that people stop dogging Scherrie and Lynda and appreciate their talents.

As for them performing in the US, I do not know why they so seldom do. Maybe it is because Mary Wilson continues to perform in the states quite a bit, and she may be better known here. As badly as I would like to see Scherrie and Lynda in the USA more often, perhaps it is a good thing that they have so much of their following in Europe and abroad. I adore Mary and would not want to see Scherrie and Lynda's group in direct competition with her on US shores.

As for the FLO's, they have a new CD coming this fall, and I am really excited about it!

I really like Sherrie Payne and her daughter singing Dance with my Father and Im real glad the FLOS and Diane Ross and Mary Wilson are out there singing and performing. God bless every living former Supreme and may he continue to watch over Flo and Betty.

Roberta

[marv2]

You cant stand FLOS music and have made some very ungentlemanly comments about Miss Lynda Lawrence in the past but you sure can whip out you tube clips of they music at the drop of a hat. lol

I don't know what you are talking about, but I stated directly above that this kind of music/performance is not my bag or something I enjoy.From what I read in this thread alone, I am not the only one that cannot appreciate it. Yet you single me out. Are you trying to pick a fight with me "Roberta"? I need to know this so that I may plan accordingly.

I have not said much about Lynda because I never think about her and if I did, how would you know if you are really "Roberta75" and not someone else who's real name is Jon Clu.......!

Look man, those clips show what they sound like today, which is unfortunate if they are looking to get bookings in the United States. I did not upload those very recent clips of them to Youtube. Someone else did so go knaw on their......ahhhh forget it! hehehehehehehe.,.....

[Roberta75]

I don't know what you are talking about, but I stated directly above that this kind of music/performance is not my bag or something I enjoy.From what I read in this thread alone, I am not the only one that cannot appreciate it. Yet you single me out. Are you trying to pick a fight with me "Roberta"? I need to know this so that I may plan accordingly.

I have not said much about Lynda because I never think about her and if I did, how would you know if you are really "Roberta75" and not someone else who's real name is Jon Clu.......!

Look man, those clips show what they sound like today, which is unfortunate if they are looking to get bookings in the United States. I did not upload those very recent clips of them to Youtube. Someone else did so go knaw on their......ahhhh forget it! hehehehehehehe.,.....

Why would i pick a fight with you marv2 you mean nothing to me. I single you out because of your hyppocrisy imo. Ive told you time and time again my name is Roberta Fonseca but if you want me to be jon thats your trip honey. i can be your fantasy Jon if thats what tickles you keys lol. As i said eralier you mean nothing to me. you dont think about Lynda like you dont think about Diane. Right hehehehehehehee.

[marv2]

Why would i pick a fight with you marv2

Because you're stupid. Someone else told me it was about jealousy. I don't know. I want know if you are picking fight, then say so............

[Roberta75]

Because you're stupid. Someone else told me it was about jealousy. I don't know. I want know if you are picking fight, then say so............

Yeah im real real jealous of you marv2 lolololol. If im picking a fighjt with you my dear youll know im picking a fight with you. Capiche?

[marv2]

Yeah im real real jealous of you marv2 lolololol. If im picking a fighjt with you my dear youll know im picking a fight with you. Capiche?

Like I said, because you're stupid. The word is Capisce! Do you understand?

[Roberta75]

Like I said, because you're stupid. The word is Capisce! Do you understand?

Better to be stupid that to spread hate. Do you understand?

Speaking of spreading hate shouldnt you be hurling slurs at lesbian ladies and homosexual gentlemen over at you tube about now?

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/capiche

[jillfoster]

I think these women are just augmenting their social security checks at this point. The FLOS as any kind of force ceased to exist when Jean Left. Lynda being the bitch in charge doesn't help matters. She has like maybe 100 fans total. Scherrie is a real talent, but Lynda is basically stifling her. And Joyce is obviously bored and just doing this for a little extra spending money... because the entire group is so totally beneath her, it's ridiculous. After all, she's the only one on that stage who starred in a top rated television series, and the only one whose voice appears on multiple number one hit records.

[smark21]

IN response to Mary Brewster’s post, I think you find with most veteran acts that major chunks of their show, if not almost the entire show, [[and by show I mean songs, arrangements, patter), will consist of material they have been doing for years and years. For instance: Diana Ross always performs Mahogany segueing into Ain’t No Mountain High Enough; Martha Reeves introduces Nowhere to Run by yelling “Good Morning Vietnam” even though that movie is 25 years old now; and Mary Wilson likes to say “Ain’t Nothin’ but a Party”, stage patter she’s been using since the 70s! It may be stale for long time, loyal fans who keep showing up at the concerts, but no doubt for those who’ve never seen them or go decades without seeing them, they’re fresh bits of business. Ultimately their shows are geared toward the very casual fan, not the die hards.

As for these FLOS clips, I don’t think they’re that good vocally. Not that the ladies don’t have voices. They do. But they’re doing these gospel and r and b vocal riffs to songs that closely adhere to the original hit versions. It doesn’t sound right. They’re oversinging. They either need to hold back or if they want to let rip then spend the money to get some arrangers to write charts that will make the Supremes songs more conducive for their vocal styles.

[marv2]

I think these women are just augmenting their social security checks at this point. The FLOS as any kind of force ceased to exist when Jean Left. Lynda being the bitch in charge doesn't help matters. She has like maybe 100 fans total. Scherrie is a real talent, but Lynda is basically stifling her. And Joyce is obviously bored and just doing this for a little extra spending money... because the entire group is so totally beneath her, it's ridiculous. After all, she's the only one on that stage who starred in a top rated television series, and the only one whose voice appears on multiple number one hit records.

Jill I think you are right about augmenting their SS checks. I know you are right about Joyce. They simply do not sound that good as a group. The backgrounds are just as loud as the lead and there is no harmony to be found anywhere on that stage. Lynda sounds off key to me.

[REDHOT]

Oh well I Love Scherrie Payne And Lynda Laurence Former Ladies Of The Supremes,with Joyce Vincent Wilson,i think the Ladies sound great,theres nothing wrong with they're show,sure they could change it a little,but not too much,it's a tribute show,and I love them for it,i just hope the ladies keep on singing and entertaining us[[fans).no matter what,i'm looking forward to getting the new cd,Love Them,The Best.Please stay positive

[jillfoster]

Another major issue is that The Supremes without Mary just doens't work in any real way, because she provided the base [[and BASS) and softened all the hard edges. Without her, and especially without the delicacy and brilliance of Jean, the FLOS sound like a bunch of squawling cats. Joyce just kind of fades in the background vocally, where with Tony and Telma, she fit in vocally and sounded great. Lynda's voice is harsh and jarring, and Scherrie Payne, the Ethel Merman of soul music.... only sound really great on disco songs. Some groups have a great blend, others just don't. at 3:00, you can't BEAT that harmony:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_2R8I4kMrM

[LuvHangOva]

Singing "Up The Ladder" Lynda sounds the same as she did during Return To Love Tour. I think the same thing now as I did in 2000.....No M'AM !!!!!

[luke]

Great summary Jill. LOL the Ethel Merman of soul music. Scherrie would be great on Broadway stage. PS I love Jean but on the above Up the Ladder but I wish she just would have sang the song-she was all over the place. Scherrie and Lynda not bad doing more restrained background vocas.

[marv2]

Great summary Jill. LOL the Ethel Merman of soul music. Scherrie would be great on Broadway stage. PS I love Jean but on the above Up the Ladder but I wish she just would have sang the song-she was all over the place. Scherrie and Lynda not bad doing more restrained background vocas.

Luke, that wasn't Jean singing lead [[in the above clip LOL!!!!) That was Lynda Laurence ,hehehehehehehehe.........

[detmotownguy]

Marv:
Gee thanks for providing....i owe you one lol!

QUOTE=marv2;176192]Here they are performing "Where Did Our Love Go?" from the same concert:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb-UxjFuXi0#at=23[/QUOTE]

[detmotownguy]

Sherrie needs to go out on her own.

[TheMotownManiac]

Lynda a bitch? I've known Lynda over 30 years and no one I know has ever thought of her that way. Lynda is a very sweet, talented musician. As is Scherrie. Remember that at Lynda's first night as a Supreme, after weeks of learning Cindy's part, Lynda was forced to take over the lead for Jean, or cancel the show. That is a very impressive feat and feather in her cap to be chosen over both veterans Mary & Cindy to lead the show with no real time to prepare properly. It was Lynda who tried to keep the peace in the group when Jean declared war on Mary and stopped speaking civilly to her, until she no longer spoke at all to her. I adore all three ladies but cannot watch or listen to their show. They destroy every Supremes song they sing much like Mary singing Reflections on July 4th. Only Diana Ross performs Supremes songs with a closeness to the original iconic& beloved sound. Scherrie and Lynda, my good friends, are aware that I and most other fans cannot stand their singing as Smark described. They do not care. This is their artistic vision and they will not change their art for me or any of us. To Jill Foster: When did you count Lynda's fans? I ask because I got 132.
I think these women are just augmenting their social security checks at this point. The FLOS as any kind of force ceased to exist when Jean Left. Lynda being the bitch in charge doesn't help matters. She has like maybe 100 fans total. Scherrie is a real talent, but Lynda is basically stifling her. And Joyce is obviously bored and just doing this for a little extra spending money... because the entire group is so totally beneath her, it's ridiculous. After all, she's the only one on that stage who starred in a top rated television series, and the only one whose voice appears on multiple number one hit records.

[marv2]

. Scherrie and Lynda, my good friends, are aware that I and most other fans cannot stand their singing as Smark described. They do not care. This is their artistic vision and they will not change their art for me or any of us.

This is a very strange and most incomprehensible post! How do they have fans, if no one can stand their singing? Why would they continue in this vein and not care, if they want to make money? I mean you state that they know this.

STRANGE..........LOL!

[marv2]

Sherrie needs to go out on her own.

Agreed. She should have done that many years ago.

[Roberta75]

Sherrie needs to go out on her own.

At almost 70 years old its a bit late for that. lol

Roberta

[marv2]

At almost 70 years old its a bit late for that. lol

Roberta

It's never too late. Mary's background singers sound better than the FLO's.

[SupremeBoy]

2 former Supremes and 1/2 of Dawn just ain't doin' it for me.

[detmotownguy]

[QUOTE=marv2;176191]I take it that Lynda Laurence is singing the lead here? Regardless, as I said a few moments ago in another thread, I do not enjoy this. Whenever I've heard the FLO's perform a classic Supremes' song, I can barely recognize the song. This is just not my bag.[/QU
Hi Marv
Do you remember that Ian Levine concert in the late 80's held at the Pontchartrain Hotel? Jean sounded pretty at first, then the wailing started in the background. We left before the FLOS were done and could hear them 3 blocks away singing at thw top of their lungs. I will say say th Jean did a great job at the beginning of Ladder then all hell broke lose with the over-singing.

[REDHOT]

Scherrie Payne And Lynda Laurence Former Ladies Of The Supremes,with Joyce Vincent Wilson,put on a GREAT Show,i can't wait to see they're show again,looking forward to the new cd,just keep on singing together Scherrie Payne Lynda Laurence and Joyce Vincent Wilson,you Ladies are The Best,Please stay positive

[luke]

lol demot. What are they thinking? ; I was referring to the clip above where Jean is singing lead on Ladder-they are all wearing different colored dressed[[garish color I must say but it was the 80s). She just keeps going off the melody line, and doing kind of riffs with her voice.

[Roberta75]

Im sure youve never dressed in something garish or colorful have you luke? We get it that you dont like the FLOS but can you stop the negative bashing. If you dont like them dont buy they cd and dont see them in concert its really that simple.

Roberta

[jobeterob]

The version is a little loud to me ~ the subtlety Jean or Diana would give a song is not there; that subtlety is why Jean was such a fine replacement for Diana.

But the FLOS have done as much as Diana or Mary to keep the name "Supremes" alive and deserve credit for that.

Diana's songs are best left with Diana and Jean's songs with Jean.

The FLOS replication of the songs is about as close as Mary Wilson comes to the sound ~ which means they do their own thing.

If you want a sound more similar to the originals, the SOS were closer.

[marv2]

[QUOTE=marv2;176191]Do you remember that Ian Levine concert in the late 80's held at the Pontchartrain Hotel? Jean sounded pretty at first, then the wailing started in the background. We left before the FLOS were done and could hear them 3 blocks away singing at thw top of their lungs. I will say say th Jean did a great job at the beginning of Ladder then all hell broke lose with the over-singing.

Yep! I was there. I remember that night on top of the Pontchitrain Hotel. Everyone was there! Jean was dynamite that night. They tried the format of letting each lady sing some leads. Jean is who everyone was there to hear though. I remember speaking with her after the show. I sat with Ian Levine and Mrs. Esther Edwards and the Vandellas were sitting directly behind me LOL! The audience was made up of Motown Artists and their families and friends for the most part.

[marv2]

lol demot. What are they thinking? ; I was referring to the clip above where Jean is singing lead on Ladder-they are all wearing different colored dressed[[garish color I must say but it was the 80s). She just keeps going off the melody line, and doing kind of riffs with her voice.

Ok yeah I see. She did have a tendency of straying from the melody when she was with the FLO's. Jean still sounded a 100 times better than when I hear Lynda Lawrence sing the same song.

[marv2]

Im sure youve never dressed in something garish or colorful have you luke? We get it that you dont like the FLOS but can you stop the negative bashing. If you dont like them dont buy they cd and dont see them in concert its really that simple.

Roberta



I don't think he is bashing them at all. I believe he is giving his honest critique of what he sees and hears in these performance clips. I think Luke is being very fair.

[marv2]

The version is a little loud to me ~ the subtlety Jean or Diana would give a song is not there; that subtlety is why Jean was such a fine replacement for Diana.

But the FLOS have done as much as Diana or Mary to keep the name "Supremes" alive and deserve credit for that.

Diana's songs are best left with Diana and Jean's songs with Jean.

The FLOS replication of the songs is about as close as Mary Wilson comes to the sound ~ which means they do their own thing.

If you want a sound more similar to the originals, the SOS were closer.

I don't agree with that. I think Mary Wilson performs all of the songs better today than anyone you listed. Mary's voice is very strong, yet she possesses the vocal dexterity to put those songs across to an audience. She moves within the songs much better than those ladies in my opinion and she does it best when she is working with her own band/musicians. Diane is weaker sounding now than ever to me, so the songs have to be really slowed down for her to recite the lyrics. Jeans voice has weakened considerably and The Flo's never understood the sublety of the original productions and they just yell out the lyrics pretty much. The Sound of the Supremes are not even a consideration. They have been around some 24 years and have never even had a gig in any location near me. They are just one of dozens of Motown Tribute acts and not a very good one.

Soooooooo.......if I am going to pay to listen to Supremes songs live, it is going to be Mary Wilson singing them!

[luke]

Well said Marv. Mary stays truest to the spirit of the group and the songs and has that Supremes charisma. Jean did some nice things with the Flos--I Wanna Be Loved and Crazy bout the Guy. But after she left as a number of people have said it was like an Ethel Merman free for all to partially quote our very witty jf and demot.

[marv2]

Well said Marv. Mary stays truest to the spirit of the group and the songs and has that Supremes charisma. Jean did some nice things with the Flos--I Wanna Be Loved and Crazy bout the Guy. But after she left as a number of people have said it was like an Ethel Merman free for all to partially quote our very witty jf and demot.

Luke you are right and that is because Mary Wilson cares about what she is doing. She really wants the audience to have a good time which why she has created her own excellent concert format. She not only sings like a dream, but is also very interactive with her audiences.

I like Jean's " My Everything" or "Everything to Me". I only heard her once live with the FLO's and she was just short of magnificent! That "Ethel Merman" description was so right on [[once I stopped laughing and thought about the comparision. LOL! ). I don't buy Lynda Laurence as a lead singer at all. I don't even think she knows how to harmonize anymore either......... Bad, Bad, Weather for the FLO's unless they quickly get it together.

[REDHOT]

Everyone has they're own opinion,to each is own,i agree with Roberta,if you don't like them,don't go and see them,if you don't like them,don't buy they're cd's,The End.
p.s I just love the music of Scherrie Payne And Lynda Laurence Former Ladies Of The Supremes With Joyce Vincent Wilson lol,keep on singing together Ladies,Please stay positive

[jillfoster]

I don't agree with that. I think Mary Wilson performs all of the songs better today than anyone you listed. Mary's voice is very strong, yet she possesses the vocal dexterity to put those songs across to an audience. She moves within the songs much better than those ladies in my opinion and she does it best when she is working with her own band/musicians. Diane is weaker sounding now than ever to me, so the songs have to be really slowed down for her to recite the lyrics. Jeans voice has weakened considerably and The Flo's never understood the sublety of the original productions and they just yell out the lyrics pretty much. The Sound of the Supremes are not even a consideration. They have been around some 24 years and have never even had a gig in any location near me. They are just one of dozens of Motown Tribute acts and not a very good one.

Soooooooo.......if I am going to pay to listen to Supremes songs live, it is going to be Mary Wilson singing them!

Mary sings them great at TIMES.... sometimes she pushes too hard, but on those early Supremes songs, when she backs off her voice, they sound really good. Like this litte bit of Baby Love:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVYZH7E0HY8

[detmotownguy]

Mary sings them great at TIMES.... sometimes she pushes too hard, but on those early Supremes songs, when she backs off her voice, they sound really good. Like this litte bit of Baby Love:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVYZH7E0HY8
Hi Jillfoster:

Thanks so much for posting the Hollywood link. Mary sounded and looked great! And they all thought she'd just quietly go away!

Thanks again!

[detmotownguy]

The last time I saw Mary she tore the house down on MWIEWOY....A very powerful but controlled interpretation of HDH classic.

[marv2]

Hi Jillfoster:

Thanks so much for posting the Hollywood link. Mary sounded and looked great! And they all thought she'd just quietly go away!

Thanks again!

I thought that was great. I have those shows in my collection. Thanks Jill!

[REDHOT]

This post is about Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence Former Ladies Of The Supremes with Joyce Vincent Wilson,let stick to them,Please stay positive

[TheMotownManiac]

WHO thought she'd go away quietly? I never heard that before. Mary looks so hot and sang Baby Love beautifully - why doesn't she always sing it like this? I love how she hogs the spotlight with Anthiny Newly and posing at the end credits acting like she's having a ball posing for the camera as she ignores Joan Rivers who is trying to talk to her LOLOLOL.....

Hi Jillfoster:

Thanks so much for posting the Hollywood link. Mary sounded and looked great! And they all thought she'd just quietly go away!

Thanks again!

[marv2]

The last time I saw Mary she tore the house down on MWIEWOY....A very powerful but controlled interpretation of HDH classic.

I'd pay the full ticket price just to hear Mary sing "My World Is Empty Without You". She does that song so well it is classic!

[detmotownguy]

Well she would have to throw Nathan Jones in the mixtoo. Her live version sounds darn close to her lines on the studio.