You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in 1960s Detroit last night at The Gov, where twelve piece supergroup Motown Connections took us through the hits of the iconic record label in their show Hitsville USA – The Motown Story.

It was over two hours of hit after hit from the group, who started with the hip-shaking ‘Dancing in the Street’, and dancing we certainly were from that point on. This was followed up by the soulful Marvin Gaye track ‘Can I Get A Witness’. There was something for everyone, when they launched into Mary Wells’ ‘My Guy’, quickly followed by The Temptations’ classic ‘My Girl’. The first set continued to deliver the goods, and the musicianship of the performers was something to behold.

After a short break, Hitsville USA continued with Four Tops tune ‘Reach Out (I’ll Be There)’ and then a string of homages to Motown’s great artists, such as Otis Reading, Marvin Gay, Aretha Franklin and the timeless Stevie Wonder. A spectacular rendition of ‘Proud Mary’ was most definitely a highlight, but with such a vast catalogue of classics; not one selection disappointed.

All lead vocalists were stellar; female lead, aptly named ‘Latina Turner’, was outstanding and was able to do the likes of queen Aretha justice. Equally, singer Tony Minniecon oozed the soul of the great performers gone before. All vocals were on point, and the musicians captured the classics with authenticity and precision.

When it came to the end, the audience were desperate for more, indicative of the energy created by the twelve piece outfit. While their Fringe season may be over, Motown Connections are regulars on the Adelaide circuit, and if you’re a lover of all things sixties soul, then you must keep an eye out for their next show.

5 stars

By Rachel Gould