THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 20, 1994 TAG: 9408200263
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Music Review
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Ricky Lynn Gregg spends as much time as he can on the road, probably the most important thing he can do for his career.
His recordings are good, but the only way to fully appreciate the singer's charisma is by sitting through one of his shows.
Gregg showed up Thursday at Country World and Billiards, an appropriate locale for a man who calls the shots. His personality is so magnetic, you seldom take your eyes off him. He moves around constantly - you move with him.
An intriguing character, Gregg would have done well as a television evangelist. You know - send money and you will be blessed.
One of the members of his very good Cherokee Thunder Band mentioned, after the show, that people often remark about the Gregg charisma.
And they talk about his face, probably the most interesting in the business, thanks, in part, to his striking Native American features.
The Gregg voice is not the strongest but the feeling behind each song is convincing and then some, particularly when he gets involved with ballads like ``Get A Little Closer.''
He is close to his audience - joking with them, thanking them for their support, often choosing individuals for direct eye contact.
Gregg prides himself on doing what he can to preserve the pure country sound but, like most country artists these days, he devotes a portion of his show to some roaring 1950s rock favorites.
He also devotes a portion of his show to old favorites.
``Silver Wings,'' a Merle Haggard favorite, and Hank Williams' ``Your Cheatin' Heart'' were attention getters.
For the most part, Gregg concentrated on songs from his two albums, including one that could be Top 10 material if released as a single, ``Dog House Blues.''
Country World and Billiards almost landed in that dog house. Thursday's show was the first crack at name entertainment for the 4-month-old club.
It was a night for growing pains. The house band, Southbound, was unable to play because of lengthy sound problems. The 8 p.m. show got under way two hours late.
The club has a beautiful dance floor and the people working there are friendly but one thing that needs to be rectified is that bill for $2 for a glass of water.
Well, it did have ice cubes. MEMO: CONCERT REVIEW
Ricky Lynn Gregg and Cherokee Thunder Band were reviewed Thursday at
Country World and Billiards in Virginia Beach. by CNB