Motown pops concerts garner praise
Center on the Aisle writes:
Music lovers were transported to decades past, as the smooth sounds of Motown emanated from New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).
On April 18, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO), alongside the vocal ensemble Spectrum, paid tribute to the legendary musicians and unforgettable songs of the years when Motown dominated the airwaves.
“Heart of Motown with Spectrum and the NJSO” was part of the New Jersey Symphony Orchesta’s POPS Series – a program that allows concert-goers to enjoy popular music presented by a classical orchestra. As a label, which’s headquarters was known as “Hitsville, U.S.A,” the evening’s program included covers of Motown hits upon Motown hits. Songs by The Four Tops, The Temptations, James Brown and The Miracles, among a number of other artists, were recreated to incredible effect ...
The harmonies showcased during chart-toppers like “This is a Man’s World,” “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” and “My Girl,” just to name a few, were incredible and impressive. Through their vocals and synchronized choreography, each member of Spectrum did their part to quench the thirst of fan who yearned for a dose of nostalgia. They did an extraordinary job in bringing the distinct “Motown sound” – a integral sound in music history that combined soul with pop influence – to NJPAC.
The evening’s concert featured conductor Sarah Hicks, who did a masterful job leading the orchestra. With an artistic resume that includes being the principal conductor of Live at Orchestra Hall for the Minnesota Orchestra, as well as creating pop productions and partaking in collaborations with stellar artists such as Idina Menzel, Natalie Merchant, John Mayor and Boyz II Men, it is no wonder that Hicks was triumphant in conducting “Heart of Motown with Spectrum and NJSO.”
Adding to the remarkable showmanship by Spectrum, founder and singer Cushney Roberts connected with the audience stupendously by explaining the historical journey of certain hits and artists.