THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 22, 1997 TAG: 9701220036
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Music Review
SOURCE: BY JEFF MAISEY, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: 38 lines
THE STARS were out and shining bright Monday night in Hampton as the supernovas of R&B paraded past, one after another. The Coliseum was aglow with fans, old and new, waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite performers.
Blackstreet made a dramatic entry to rocket the night off into an enjoyable orbit. Clad in black shiny coats and shades, the outstanding quartet of Chauncey Hannibal, Eric Williams, Mark Middleton and our very own homeboy Teddy ``Street'' Riley, made full use of the stage as they gave a commanding performance. Blackstreet took their show to ``Another Level'' with ``Fix,'' ``Let's Stay in Love'' and the energetic yet passionate ``Never Gonna Let You Go.'' Riley and company had everyone in the house on their feet as they ended with the thunderous phat beat of ``No Diggitty.''
The quiet storm of Keith Sweat rained gentle love ballads like ``Nobody'' else can, upon the more than willing audience. Sweat wooed the crowd, as the romantic gentleman played songs from each of his five albums. With a six-piece band, three backup singers and an array of dancers, Sweat's big, full sound was most impressive. He ended his set with an upbeat feeling in ``Twisted.''
As for the headliners, New Edition was awesome, starting out with ``Oh, Yeah, It Feels So Good'' from the ``Home Again'' reunion recording. The funky ``Hit Me Off'' was served up next with synchronized steps and dance, again radiating with theatrical brilliance.
After four tunes, each member of the group performed a mini-set from their distinguished solo careers.
Once the solo - perhaps ego flexing - part of the show concluded, New Edition came out to reminisce about the old days as they satisfied the concertgoers with their many ballads from the 1980s, including ``Lost in Love'' and ``Is This The End.''
On any night of the week, each of these acts would be headliners. For music lovers, to see all three at once was quite a night.