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SXSW review: Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson performs at the Austin Music Hall Friday night.
How old is Smokey Robinson again?
This is a legitimate question. A cursory glance at Wikipedia — the information source of choice for the music critic in a hurry — says 70 years old.
But that can’t possibly be right. Friday night at the Austin Music Hall, sandwiched between revival artists Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and Raphael Saadiq, original soul legend and King of Motown Smokey Robinson showed the world how it’s done with an affectionate, charming, high-energy show. When it comes to elderly gentleman whose enthusiasm, zest for life and boundless energy seems to mock the very concept of aging, only Stan Lee can stand up to Smokey Robinson.
Robinson emerged with an expansive band and two superfluous but moderately impressive dancers — who underwent a half-dozen or so costume changes in an hour and a half — and quickly launched into “I Second That Emotion.” That was followed up by Miracles classic “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me,” and to hear a chorus of a thousand voices singing along in unity was a magical moment. For anyone who cares about the power of pop to bridge gaps in age, gender and social status — and if you’re reading this blog right now, there’s a good chance that’s you — it was impactful and touching.
The convincingly humble Robinson touted his Motown bona fides in a soaring medley of Temptations songs — “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” “Get Ready” and “My Girl.” And he held the crowd in the palm of his hand for “Ooh Baby Baby.”
Calling Robinson a musician does him a bit of a disservice — “entertainer” would be a more broadly accurate term. Whether thrusting his pelvis — a move that no 70-year-old should be able to pull off, yet he finds a way — or recounting amusing stories of Stevie Wonder, he’s a showman whose refined his act with five decades of performance. That strength was displayed most evidently on a lengthy closing rendition of “Cruisin,’” as Robinson split the audience in halves to participate in a contest to see which side could sing louder, complete with one member from each side pulled onstage and designated as team captain.
“We got some singers in here,” quipped the velvet-voiced Smokey early in the set. “I thought you guys were just people who bought tickets or badges or something like that, but I realize now who you are. You’re the South by Southwest choir!”
Maybe so, Smokey, but can’t nobody in the audience — or anywhere — sing like you.
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