Performance Joe Tex

At Ethel's Lounge, June 17-20

The Joe Tex Revue rolled through Detroit last month, much to the delight of the crowds that filled Ethel's Lounge tour nights in a row to catch this master of soul music in what turned out to be a perfect setting for his fast-paced blend of show biz and rhythm & blues. After having several hits in the late 60's early 70's, Tex temporarily retired from performing so he could pursue the study and ministration of the Muslim faith (Joe X?) on a full-time basis. Now back on the musical set, he is confident, experienced, and (as always) ready to entertain an audience by almost any means necessary.

As was obvious from Joe Tex's single "Skinny Legs and All," he has a corny, giddy, but pleasant sense of humor that he doesn't hesitate to use throughout his performance. He tells jokes, does skits and mimicry, etc. as well as dancing and singing in that famous raspy, James Brownish voice. His revue also has the tight supporting energy of The Second Resurrection backup band and some creditable vocals by a woman member of the Revue named Beverly (I didn't get her last name). MC Gip Roberts also provided several laughs with his between-the sets commentary.

The meat of the matter, of course, is Joe's solid soul material, which he interpreted with as much guts and gusto as l've ever seen. Opening with a hot version of the Smokey Robinson-Tempts smash "My Girl," Tex did a laid-back original called "I Love You," followed with "The Love You Save (May Be Your Own)," Brook Benton's "Rainy Night in Georgia," then the big hits: "Skinny Legs," "Hold On To What You Got," the 1972 two-million seller "I Gotcha," and a slow version of the same song off Joe's upcoming album, "Your Body's Here But Your Mind Is Somewhere Else." As an encore Tex did an energetic Midnight Special routine in which he mimics the voices of Wolfman Jack, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jimmy Reed, Elvis Presley and James Brown. 

Joe Tex is (as they say) an entertainer in every sense of the word. Highly recommended if you truly need to unwind, Joe is back at Ethel's this weekend (June 25-27) on a Soul Double-header with Laura Lee. Don't miss this bad brother. -Frank Bach