Robinson gives smokin' performance

SMOKEY ROBINSON, Red Butte Garden, June 19

At 69, Smokey Robinson shows no signs of slowing down.

In fact, the man has a barrel full of energy, and that energy is contagious.

Robinson, the former vice president of Motown and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, showed a nearly sold-out Red Butte Garden Amphitheater audience why he is considered a living legend.

The man's voice is still smooth and seductive. And his sense of humor is sharp. But it was his gentle and infectious demeanor that created a bond between him and the audience.

Not only did he perform songs such as his soothing "Being With You" and "Ooo Baby Baby," but he told charming anecdotes of his time writing songs at Motown Records.

He talked of the Temptations and sang a Temptations Medley (of the songs he wrote for the group) that included "My Girl" and "Get Ready." He talked about Stevie Wonder and launched into the pop-gem "Tears of a Clown," a song he wrote with Wonder.

Through it all, Robinson engaged the audience with his sing-along choruses of "Quiet Storm," "Tracks of My Tears" and the Top 10 "Just to See Her."

The audience members, obviously taken with the grooves and the fact that they were seeing a music pioneer, danced the night away to other jewels such as "I Second That Emotion" and "You Really Got a Hold on Me."

Robinson was accompanied by three background singers, two dancers and a sweet little band led by keyboardist/band leader Sonny Burke.

The night opened with the rousing beat of "Going to a Go Go" and the energy didn't let up.

Robinson even slowed things down a bit and, after a quick change into a tailored tuxedo, offered a few songs from his most recent album "Timeless Love."

Covers of "I Can't Give You Anything but Love (Baby)" and "I Love Your Face" had the same effect on the audience that "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage" did. The audience, composed of old and young, had no choice but to give a standing ovation.

E-mail: scott@desnews.com