Shadows of the 60'S
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Shadows Of The 60’s Ultimate Tribute to Motown’s Super Groups has established itself as the premier Motown tribute in the nation! Dave Revels, Shadows Of The and watching legends of American their audiences. I would ask as 60’s creative director and producer, Rock and Roll royalty perform. many questions as they would is a former member of The Drift- “I had the best schooling and teach- answer about what it took to be ers, a group inducted into the ers to learn from,” says Revels, as he successful. I remember asking Ben Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He’s watched stars such as Bo Diddley, Little E. King, ‘how do I become a suc- also currently lead singer, record Richard, The Four Tops, The Tempta- cessful songwriter?’ arranger and producer for the Doo tions, Little Anthony and The Imperi- “He told me, don’t worry about Wop Hall of Fame group induct- als, Chuck Berry, and emcees like Dick trends. Write from your heart and ees, The Persuasions—Kings of Clark and Wolfman Jack work their if one of your songs become a hit, A Cappella. unique magic on audiences. the world will want to hear every- Author of the book, “A Natural “Each artist was so sharply defined, thing else you wrote before. I still Guide to Mastering the Art of Live charismatic and comfortable before follow that advice in everything I Entertainment,” Dave periodically do and everything I do, I do with teaches his methods to musicians passion,” says Revels. and singers at Fur Peace Ranch, a music retreat in Pomeroy, Ohio, Shadows Of The 60’s Is Born run by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame That passion led him to create member Jorma Kokaunen of Jef- Shadows of the 60’s, first as a trib- ferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. ute to his fallen idol, Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops. “I have always been In 1985, Dave appeared on the a fan first—that guy in the third NBC Television special “Motown row center seat who came to hear Returns to the Apollo” alongside his favorite artist perform their The Temptations and The Four hits. I felt when Levi passed away Tops. that all the singers who tried to fill Inspired by the Greats his shoes never even tried to emu- late his style, the style that made With over 20 years producing and The Four Tops. So, I formed a Four directing shows from Atlantic Tops Tribute and it just took off.” City to Las Vegas, Dave’s keen eye for costuming, choreography and “After a while, I decided to add staging was developed while tour- other Motown artists by first seek- ing with The Drifters worldwide ing out lead singers who felt the same way I did about Levi and were Of The 60’s from other tribute acts. willing to try their very best to give Meticulous care is taken to recre- an audience the sound of the art- ate the costuming, choreography, ists they would portray. I feel that the musical arrangements in their an audience has to sense you love original keys, and authenticity of these artists as much as they do in the recordings. order to create that magic bond We strive to establish that intense between performer and audience.” emotional experience akin to the It was to this end that Dave en- first time these artists performed gaged Melvin Miller Jr. as the their hits before an audience and show’s musical director. Mr. Miller the moment that audience saw was the protege of famed Motown them for the first time after hearing writer and producing team Hol- these songs on the radio. land Dozier Holland, the architects We welcome you to close your eyes of The Four Tops greatest hits at and hear the sound of Motown. Motown. He was also mentored Open them and feel the raw ‘front by Teddy Harris Jr., musical direc- row’ experience of attending a live tor for The Supremes. Mr. Miller Motown concert, circa 1964, when learned the trade by playing guitar Motown was “Magic.” in the touring band led by Mr. Harris. He also played with Funk Brothers legends bassist James Jamerson and percussionist Eddie “Bongo” Brown. The Essence of Motown It’s this understanding of The Mo- town Sound that separates Shadows .