It was the third of September was how the superb Magic of Motown show began at a packed and pumped Ipswich Regent on Friday night, March 23. Indeed, that night, we’ll always remember.

That opening soul song, Papa Was a Rolling Stone (The Temptations), set the tone for a truly exceptional, perhaps even liberating, performance and fitting tribute to Motown Records, launched by entrepreneur Berry Gordy. The label will mark its 60th birthday next year.

This reviewer has now seen this show three times in the last five years at the Regent. This was arguably the best.

It followed the same format: an interchangeable cast of three women and four men, with a four-piece live band, belting out all the Motown classics, pockmarked with melodic duets. The acoustics, dancing, singing, costume changes, and audience interaction were all en pointe.

There appeared to be a new male singer, who delivered a mesmeric a cappella version of The Tracks of My Tears (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles).

It earned the warmest applause of the night. It was followed perfectly by I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) (The Four Tops).

The combo raised almost everyone to their feet – where they remained.