Live
THE TEAM FEATURING ANGELO STARR: BUTLINS, BOGNOR REGIS 30/01/2009
It’s rather ironic but the last time I saw Edwin Starr in concert was at funky Butlins in Bognor Regis. So I didn’t know quite what to expect from Angelo, his younger brother.
Firstly, without doubt, The Team, formed in 1982 by percussionist Clive Hare and bass player Kevin Kendall, is one of the tightest outfits on the circuit. And, secondly, with Angelo’s energy to compliment his soulful vocals – not unlike Edwin’s of course, but notably not as strong and deep throated – the performance couldn’t fail.
We were there to p-a-r-t-y and from the opening bars the music never let up. Edwin’s Motown classic '25 Miles' kicked off the show and easily slipped into 'Billie Jean' and 'Ladies Night'. The groove was easy and the musical seams nonexistent. Throughout the performance, Angelo dipped into his brother’s hit catalogue – 'Time', 'Contact', 'Happy Radio' - and kept Edwin’s spirit and legacy very much alive during this extremely exciting, vibrant and fast paced musical journey.
Celebrating Stevie Wonder’s 'Superstition' and Jackie Wilson’s 'Higher And Higher', the fire and passion of R&B/dance shone through courtesy of Angelo Starr. I remember Edwin once telling me that he’d spend all his fee on getting his band just right, if that’s what it took to give his fans a great show rather than a good one. I’m delighted that hasn’t changed.
Words SHARON DAVIS
