Supremes standards set the stage as Diana Ross electrifies adoring fans
It’s generally thought that the Beach Boys were the American counterpart to the Beatles in the early ’60s. But in terms of ingenious, confectionary, chart-topping pop songcraft, the Supremes could just as easily have claimed that title. The group’s 12 No. 1 hits in the decade are impressive enough, but what’s truly amazing is their timeless effect on the mind, body and soul. And no matter what any B r o a d w a y -s h ow-turned-Beyonce-Knowles vehicle might say, the main reason the Supremes’ brand of incandescent pop-soul stayed successful for so long was the talent and showmanship of its leader, Diana Ross.
Since leaving the group to pursue a solo career in 1969, Ross has cemented her place as one of pop and R&B music’s most beloved megastars — if you thought her popularity was starting to fade, being in the crowd at her performance Wednesday night would set you straight in a big way. As the lights dimmed in the Seneca Niagara Events Center, a buzzing atmosphere turned electric as countless people began screaming at the top of their lungs. When the singer finally did take the stage, walking down a stairway to the sunny funk of “I’m Coming Out,” the response was deafening.
Decked out in a sequined red gown, complete with a massive red boa that practically enveloped her entire frame, Ross had a rambunctious crowd in the palm of her hand.
Ross brought the goods from beginning to end, her voice sounding as sweet and irresistible as ever. From her opening suite of Supremes classics to her exhilarating cover of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” the 64-year-old vocalist hit every note with authority.
While the second half of Ross’ set was wonderfully eclectic — covering the quiet storm balladry, silky funk and anthemic disco of her solo career, along with a riveting cover of Billie Holiday’s “Fine And Mellow” — it was transcendent to see her begin the show with a pile of Supremes classics. As Ross and her seven-piece band plowed through “My World Is Empty Without You,” “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “Stop! In The Name Of Love” and “You Can’t Hurry Love” we got to experience what pop music is supposed to be — sparkling melodies, simple, sticky lyrics, and a driving beat that makes a thrilling connection with the one inside your chest.
And in the diva department, Ross didn’t disappoint. On top of multiple costume changes and chiding audience members for taking her picture (“We can’t take pictures! I’m watching you!”), the star had a complaint about the airflow onstage in the middle of performing “Touch Me In The Morning.”
“Can we turn the fan off on the stage,” she asked, her band vamping behind her. “If they don’t turn it off, my voice will get hoarse.”
Of course, Ross’ pipes were at no risk of losing their power on this night. But after more than an hour of out-and-out scream worshipping, her crowd may have come down with a self-inflicted case of laryngitis.
Concert Review
Diana Ross
Wednesday night in Seneca Niagara Events Center.
