To the uninitiated the word Motown will no doubt conjure up visions of uptempo sixties style soul complete with brass, violins, and that unmistakable bass line, but what many may not appreciate is that Berry Gordy recorded a number of his artists singing standards from the forties and fifties often to superb effect. The influence of the swing era was clearly evident when the company chose artists like the 4 Tops, Supremes, and especially Marvin Gaye to record these classics.

Whilst a number of these recordings were available during the middle sixties they obviously didn't sell too well sinking into obscurity without trace. Their collectability was always assured but often these titles remained at the bottom end one's wants list but during the first couple of years this century there has been an upsurge in interest in the big-band/swing sound which has again been brought to the forefront of popular music mainly thanks to the likes of Robbie Williams but to name one. The reality is of course that the likes of these Motown artists were masters of their art and found that a change in style and approach (albeit on a temporary basis) was easy to adapt to and after just one play you will find yourself hooked on this excellent set.

Checkout Barbara McNair on 'On A Clear Day' to see what I mean. A superb singer with a superb song this just oozes class and the background vocals are a pleasure to listen too - so soulful. The Supremes were already into this groove via their Rogers & Hart set of 1967 (recently on CD) so they obviously sound so comfortable on 'Wonderful Wonderful' as does veteran Marvin Gaye who delivers a swingin' version of Nat Cole's 'Straighten Up And Fly Right'. Gaye had always admired Nat Cole as an artist and at one point had wanted to sing in the same style so much so that Motown issued an album 'Tribute To Nat King Cole' in 1964.

Whilst Barbara McNair may wish to take pride of place on this CD fellow stable mate Brenda Holloway isn't one to be left out out and she delivers her gentle version of 'Embraceable You' which in itself could have been a great Motown single around 1964 as this has the same feel as 'Every Little Bit Hurts'. Next up a brilliant uptempo swinger from the late Mary Wells as the Flamingo's hit 'I Only Have Eyes For You' will have you reaching for the replay button time and time again. This track alone is one the strongest here.

Back to Diana and the girls as they perform a sultry and sexy version of the Marcels song 'Blue Moon' and in fairness she does the song justice. At a time when these songs have long passed (but not forgotten) we are aptly reminded of their popularity before Mr Gordy invented his hit making machine. Another Nat Cole song from Marvin Gaye in 'Unforgettable' would make for a superb late night radio playlist, and don't forget the legendary Temptation's singing 'That's Life', and 'Mame' from the Four Tops has an almost dixieland jazz feel to it and shows Levi Stubbs at his best as he delivers this appealing song.

Marvin joins Kim Weston on Sinatra's famous outing 'Let's Do It (let's fall in love) giving it a mid tempo feel not too dissimilar to 'Pride And Joy' in the arrangement before the disc comes to a close with 'Don't Rain On My Parade' from the Supremes a real throwback to the days of musicals and which is something the group performed regularly on the Ed Sullivan shows dug the middle part of the sixties.

If you are a committed Motown collector or just a curious middle of the road music fan please don't overlook this superb CD as it is of the highest order and makes a great change from the usual stuff we all normally tend to play.

Standout tracks must be Mary Wells and Barbara McNair.

Rating 8/10

Other related CD's to check out include;

Supremes sing Rogers and Hart