Passion Still Burns Brightly for Ageless Smokey Robinson

“We’re going to take a real trip back in time,” Smokey Robinson declared at the Wiltern Theatre on Monday. But nostalgia was only part of the singer’s agenda. At his best, Robinson made music with enough grace and passion to transcend any era.

Some songs were merely sweet, a likable echo of ancient pop. And yet when Robinson’s distinct falsetto wrapped itself around a timeless emotional confession such as 1965’s “Ooo Baby Baby,” the result was as rich and urgent as the music of Maxwell, D’Angelo or any other modern soul descendant.

Back in the ‘60s, Robinson not only fronted the Miracles but was also involved with the success of virtually every major act on the Motown roster as songwriter, producer or label executive. And he continued to chart hits as a solo artist well into the ‘80s. But it was his classic Miracles material that dominated his Wiltern performance, an “Intimate Christmas” concert sponsored by KCMG-FM, known as Mega 92.3, where Robinson now hosts a regular afternoon program.

Robinson was a relaxed and loving presence, preaching the virtues of romance to his sold-out audience. With his band supplemented by a 12-piece string section, Robinson began the two-hour concert with some of his biggest hits, including “Tears of a Clown.” And if his vocals seemed a little quiet at the beginning of the show, the singer soon tapped some romantic fire during “You Really Got a Hold on Me.”

Material from his new “Intimate” album didn’t always match that standard, though the new songs offered some contemporary snap. During the torrid “Tu Me Besas Muy Rico,” Robinson even opened his shirt and ran fingers across his bare chest, eyes closed, his voice high and anguished. Some traditions never grow old.