Our Motown In Japan trilogy continues with a 1973 Temptations concert that has never before been released on compact disc anywhere in the world. [Check the Motown Select page for more of our Motown In Japan series.]
For those keeping track of the ever-changing Temptations lineup, at this time it consisted of Dennis Edwards, Richard Street, Damon Harris, Melvin Franklin, and Otis Williams. This lineup came together in 1971 after the departures of Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams and had a monster smash the following year with “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone.”
This tour, they were out in support of the modestly-titled Masterpiece album, and while they played about half the songs on that record in the concert, they didn’t forget to pack in the hits. Also included was a gorgeous cover of Ewan Maccoll’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which they had recorded in the studio for the All Directions album in 1972.
Once again, we have included the original Japanese/”English” liner notes from the original LP release. As you might expect, the translations may be somewhat… inexact. Just ask “Melbourne” Franklin. But when you break open the shrinkwrap and pop it in the CD player, you will absolutely be transported to a great Temptations performance on a magical night far, far away.