Diane Ross DElivers to her hometown audioence. I hope Miss Martha Reeves was there.

[Roberta75]

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130826/ENT04/308260035/Diana-Ross-red-hot-Motor-City?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p


http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/08/26/entertainment/doc521b332ca4644814889507.txt

[skooldem1]

Diana Ross red-hot at Motor City


Susan Whitall
Detroit News Music Writer

The show Diana Ross brought to the Motor City Casino’s Sound Board Sunday night looked and sounded much like the show she’s been touring with for several years now.

Backed by a nine-piece band [[four of them horn players) and three singers, she opened with “I’m Coming Out,” swathed in yards of fluffy red net and spangles, then kicked into one of her favorite songs, the Spiral Starecase’s 1969 hit “More Today Than Yesterday.”

She hit her notes admirably, executed numerous costume changes and had the audience at the sold-out show in various states of ecstasy.

One fellow on the Sound Board’s second level wore a tiara and was having the time of his life. Much of the front row was able to execute all the hand motions in “Stop! In the Name of Love,” including the “think it over” finger twirl toward the head.

But apart from all the fun, there was a marked difference to Sunday’s show — Ross wasn’t the distant Motown goddess, but spoke warmly to the audience. She gave an update on the doings of her five children and called out into the audience to her siblings. “I see my brother. Where’s my sister Rita? Didn’t she come?”

“The little girl from Detroit who went all around the world!” she teased. “How about some street names. Do you know St. Antoine?” The audience roared assent.

“How about Hastings Street?” They applauded wildly, as she pouted mock disbelief. “This feels like family, so let’s have some fun.”

She rolled through a generous number of her Supremes hits, including “My World Is Empty [[Without You),” “Baby Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “Love Child.” Her voice still has that plaintive upper range that put her front and center in the Supremes, but now it has a pleasing, burnished maturity that works well on the bluesier numbers.

When she comes out in a slinky black dress with illusion neckline to give her sultry take on Bacharach & David’s “The Look of Love” and the Billie Holiday classic “Don’t Explain,” she was particularly effective.

Ross still dazzles on her No. 1 hit version of Ashford & Simpson’s ultimate Motown anthem “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” with its triumphant, orchestral chorus. As the song faded, she called out “Follow your dreams!”

Then she spoke again. “While you’re watching me, I’m always watching you as well. I see your faces, and I love to see your smiles.

“If you need me,” she mouthed as the show ended, touching her heart. “I’ll be there.”


http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130826/ENT04/308260035/Diana-Ross-red-hot-Motor-City?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

[skooldem1]

Of The Oakland Press
Gary Graff on Music; @graffonmusic



Concert Review: Diana Ross brings career memories back to Motown

DETROIT — Diana Ross had some siblings in the house on Sunday night, Aug. 25, at Sound Board in the MotorCity Casino Hotel. But the Detroit native also told the sold-out crowd that "I feel like you're family," too.

The 1,700 or so at the intimate venue [[less than half the size of the Fox Theatre, where Ross performed three years ago) certainly greeted and treated Ross like a relative — and not a long-lost one at that. She was welcomed as a hometown hero, the undisputed queen of Motown, and Ross made good on the rapturous reception with an enthralling 20-song, 80-minute tutorial about her stellar career as a pop music icon.

The hits came early and often as Ross, in a red gown and feather boa — one of four costumes she sported during the show — started "I'm Coming Up" offstage before striding on to join her 12-piece group [[including a four-piece horn section and three backup singers), smiling as brightly as any of the spotlights that focused on her throughout the night. She then loped through the Spiral Staircase's "More Today Than Yesterday" before tearing in a whiplash-paced set of the Supremes' biggest hits, including "My World is Empty Without You," "Baby Love," "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "You Can't Hurry Love."

Ross' own "Touch Me in the Morning" followed in the same upbeat momentum, leading into a tight vamp through "Love Child" and — after Ross made her first outfit change [[to blue) — dance-party renditions of "The Boss" and "Upside Down." The smooth "Love Hangover" slowed things down just a tad before shifting to a disco vamp that, in turn, fired into "Take Me Higher" and "Ease on Down the Road" from the movie adaptation of "The Wiz."

The pace was worthy of Lady Gaga or Beyonce, but Ross seemed barely winded and sang with forceful authority if not vintage accuracy. She let the show breathe a bit with a "movie" section that included the "Casino Royale" theme "The Look of Love" and Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain," which Ross performed in her film debut "Lady Sings the Blues." Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" was a crowd-please doo-wop interlude, setting up a sharp pairing of "Theme From Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You're Going To)" and the soaring "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

"I Will Survive" brought anyone still sitting in the Sound Board crowd to its feet, but if the idea of Ross capping her set with a song by someone else [[Gloria Gaynor), her encore — "Reach Out and Touch [[Somebody's Hand)" — reminded everyone just who's show it was, even if Ross then finished with an "I Will Survive" reprise. But her performance proved she's not just surviving; at 69, and after 53 years of recording, Ross is unquestionably thriving.

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/08/26/entertainment/doc521b332ca4644814889507.txt

[skooldem1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjEOv60qBhQ

[dba]

Great video of the hometown "girl". Thanks for posting.

[ejluther]

I really love the way she's matured and the way that there are still times where she turns her head just so or does a certain eye movement and, for a second, we could be watching her back in the 60's...

[Kamasu_Jr]

Interesting reviews, especially the one by the critic at the Oakland Press. Apparently, he's mellowed about Diana Ross. There was a time when he did not like her when he was the music critic at the Detroit Free Press back in the 1980s. My dad interned at the Free Press and worked with this writer, who was helpful, but not always friendly and he often made his disdain for Diana quite clear to dad.
Dad was a Detroiter and naturally he respected Diana and other Motowners. Dad felt this writer looked down on him because he liked Motown and knew Diana. He has never gotten over his icy relationship with the writer. The writer still got a small dig in by commenting that this venue was smaller than the grand Fox Theater. But Detroiters have always turned out for Diana no matter where she performs there.
But I quess it is true that when you are reviewing something or someone that you are not a fan of - you have to detach yourself or see things from a different perspective. I showed Dad the review. I don't think he believed much of it. Funny how things change and turn around and people do change with time. Diana is here in the Memphis area next weekend on Sept. 6th. My dad is going, but it will be the second or third time he has seen her and will not be reviewing the show.

[Methuselah2]

That's a sensational video, Skooldem. Thanks so much for posting. It's just terrific.

[jillfoster]

That blue dress is STUNNING.

[LuvHangOva]

I've seen her live many many many times over the years. She seems more energized and engaged, alert and "present" here than I have seen her in years!! I'm also impressed that her voice sounds better than ever...especially on 'my theme song' "Aint No Mountain High Enough". Give em hell, Diana!!!

[lakedistrictlad1]

There are 2 words in that review which I thought were spot on. Diana sang with 'vintage accuracy'. I remember so many of her live shows in the 80's where she sang the Supremes songs and she sang them as if she was bored of them. Her voice was just not the same. Somewhere along the way she has taken time to go back and listen to herself on those records and study what made her voice so appealing. I noticed last time I saw her live that she really 'cared' about how she sang those old songs. I think her voice - or at least they way she uses it - is better now than it was 20-30 years ago.

Oh if only she would record something new with that wonderful voice!!!

[motony]

my brother will see Diana next week at Universal Hard Rock Live, 2nd row center stage.

[David J]

Diana Ross delights fans with Supreme performance Special [[http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/357047&ct=ga&cd=NTI4MDAyMjM4NDMyNDY0NjI3NQ&cad=CAEYAA&usg=AFQjCNG4sSCcoCZSrECfgb5EQTAgnH03ug)

[reese]

There are 2 words in that review which I thought were spot on. Diana sang with 'vintage accuracy'. I remember so many of her live shows in the 80's where she sang the Supremes songs and she sang them as if she was bored of them. Her voice was just not the same. Somewhere along the way she has taken time to go back and listen to herself on those records and study what made her voice so appealing. I noticed last time I saw her live that she really 'cared' about how she sang those old songs. I think her voice - or at least they way she uses it - is better now than it was 20-30 years ago.

Oh if only she would record something new with that wonderful voice!!!

I totally agree. After seeing her many times over the past couple of years, I have noticed her re-commitment to the Supremes material. As you wrote, it is obvious that she went back and listened to the original recordings. I couldn't see a Teleprompter anywhere, and she was word perfect.

[Methuselah2]

The Oakland Press review actually says:

". . . but Ross seemed barely winded and sang with forceful authority if not vintage accuracy."

I took this to mean, perhaps, some slips with the lyrics.

One question re STOP!: When did the finger-pointing to the head turn up in the routine? I never saw that done in a Supremes performance. As far as I can tell, it turned up for RTL--and I think it's a completely UN-Supremes-like move. Much too cutesy. The Supremes did choreography, not pantomime. Even the well-known arm movement in STOP! was meant as punctuation and a sign of strength and defiance--and they certainly were not trying to be cute.

[LuvHangOva]

The Oakland Press review .

One question re STOP!: When did the finger-pointing to the head turn up in the routine? I never saw that done in a Supremes performance. As far as I can tell, it turned up for RTL--and I think it's a completely UN-Supremes-like move. Much too cutesy. The Supremes did choreography, not pantomime. Even the well-known arm movement in STOP! was meant as punctuation and a sign of strength and defiance--and they certainly were not trying to be cute.

HaHaHaHa Meth, I couldn't agree more!!!

I was in the front row three times for RTL [[my brother was in the orchestra--first chair cello!!! Woot woot!! but, but I digress)...at one of the shows Diana and the girls were standing directly in front of me and my date...we and the "Supremes" were having a blast..they seemed to like it that I knew all the words and choreography for everything they did... I was groovin right along to "STOP " with them but when they all did the finger to the head thing you mentioned.... I kept my arms/hands flat at my side in silent protest.....LOL.... I thought "I am a full grown adult.... I ain't doin that!!!" LOL ....plus I knew it never was part of the original routine.


I have to say tho I was impressed with Diana's performances. it was no secret that she was under a lot of pressure during RTL but she was still the consummate professional. Besides the fact that my bro was on stage with my idol, I went out of my way to be front and center at the shows I saw.... I wanted her to see me to symbolize that "we" her fans were still there for her in spite of all the negativity in the press about RTL. I was pleased that she did notice me and always greeted me warmly each time.

[Methuselah2]

LHO - Your story reminded me of what Diana says in LADY SINGS THE BLUES:

"I ain't doin' it!"

[franjoy56]

Diana Ross made the Detroit audience proud she ran through her discography and she cared about every performance she owned the audience fro her Detroit hometown.

[franjoy56]

Diana Ross made the Detroit audience proud she ran through her discography and she cared about every performance she owned the audience fro her Detroit hometown. and the costume changes were fabulous.

[Roberta75]

Diana Ross made the Detroit audience proud she ran through her discography and she cared about every performance she owned the audience fro her Detroit hometown.

I was told Flo Ballards daughters was there Frances and met with Diane after the show.

Was The first Lady of Motown Records Dr Martha Reeves at Dianes concert?

Roberta

[LuvHangOva]

Seems like it's always a "family affair" when Diana plays Detroit. A few years ago I met and took a photo of one of Florence's daughters on the sidewalk in front of the Fox Theatre. Diana's brother, Fred Jr. was standing at the front door silently observing the crowd as we went in and Miss Rita Ross, Diana's sister was seated one row behind me during the show....I was front and center and loved every moment. Diana was very "on" that night and was very "connected"...it was another stupendous evening with the Grande Diva.

[theboyfromxtown]

Interesting reviews, especially the one by the critic at the Oakland Press. Apparently, he's mellowed about Diana Ross. There was a time when he did not like her when he was the music critic at the Detroit Free Press back in the 1980s. My dad interned at the Free Press and worked with this writer, who was helpful, but not always friendly and he often made his disdain for Diana quite clear to dad.
Dad was a Detroiter and naturally he respected Diana and other Motowners. Dad felt this writer looked down on him because he liked Motown and knew Diana. He has never gotten over his icy relationship with the writer. The writer still got a small dig in by commenting that this venue was smaller than the grand Fox Theater. But Detroiters have always turned out for Diana no matter where she performs there.
But I quess it is true that when you are reviewing something or someone that you are not a fan of - you have to detach yourself or see things from a different perspective. I showed Dad the review. I don't think he believed much of it. Funny how things change and turn around and people do change with time. Diana is here in the Memphis area next weekend on Sept. 6th. My dad is going, but it will be the second or third time he has seen her and will not be reviewing the show.

I love these stories Kamasu. Give the old Kamasu Warrior my warmest regards!