Rock & Roll's first female supergroup returned to the Rrazz Room delivering their many hits to a packed audience eager to stroll down their collective musical memory lane. The Shirelles classic music of the early '60s blended early male dominated rock & roll and doo-wop with the three part harmonies of popular music girl groups of the '40s and '50s, most notably the legacy of the boogie woogie Andrews Sisters. In bridging the generational gap, The Shirelles have created an enduring legacy that touches their fans hearts and defines a particular point in time.

Led by original Shirelle Beverly Lee, who's joined by Louise Bethune and Diane Spann, the harmonies on the big megahits are tight as one would expect and the piano accompaniment by local Kelly Park was sensational, particularly on Bethune's sizzling rendition of Etta James' hit "At Last" (Mack Gordon/Harry Warren). Hit after hit made up the balance of the set: "Having a Party," "Mamma Said," "Dedicated to the One I Love," "Met Him on a Sunday," "Tonight's the Night," and of course, "Soldier Boy." Carole King, herself a blossoming songwriter, gave The Shirelles "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and they also covered Burt Bacharach's "Baby It's You."

In between hits, there was a nice Motown medley paying tribute to The Temptations ("Can't Get Next To You"), the Four Tops ("It's The Same Old Song"), and Ike & Tina Turner ("Proud Mary"). Ray Charles' "What I Say" got the audience moving and their version of Johnny B. Goode harkened back to the boogie woogie of the Andrews Sisters days. The Shirelles touch a strong chord in their fans musical memory banks who sing along to the tunes of their youth. Beverly Lee, who began her journey in 1958, is still satisfying that need in 2009. It says a lot for perseverance and the desire to entertain.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
June 16, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org