DATE: Saturday, June 28, 1997               TAG: 9706280735

SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E7   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: MUSIC REVIEW

SOURCE: By JEFF MAISEY, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:   55 lines

HAMPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL IS OFF TO ROUSING START

THE 30TH HAMPTON Jazz Festival got off to a superb beginning Thursday night at the Hampton Coliseum, as all five acts delighted the crowd on hand. This four-day event is more about performance legends than jazz music.

The snazzy sound of Philadelphia's Pieces of a Dream was the only act that could be construed as jazz. Fanatical jazz enthusiasts must have enjoyed what they heard from this original trio plus two. James Lloyd played an outstanding solo on his guitar-styled keyboard strapped around his neck during their instrumental version of Wham's ``Careless Whispers.''

Pieces of a Dream broke out selections spanning 20 years. From their first album was ``Warm Weather,'' which featured the sizzling vocals of thumping bassist Cedric Napoleon. The popular ``Club Jazz'' and the piano dominated ``1257'' were also smashing.

The passionate quiet storm of Will Downing's voice easily warmed the audience to his vibe. All jazzed up in a fine suit, this contemporary male vocalist was the best dressed of the evening. Downing's vocal performance was good, as he demonstrated his range, from deep down low to a high-pitched falsetto, never losing control of his voice in the process.

It was definitely THE NIGHT of the vocalists. Regina Belle, the ``Soul Princess of R&B and Pop,'' as emcee Barbara Ciara called her, could not have been more electrifying. Belle pulled out some of the great tunes of yesteryear that she recorded on her ``Reachin' Back'' album. The a cappella harmonies she and her fantastic trio of back-up singers engaged in were cleverly arranged on the Spinners' ``Could It Be I'm Falling in Love.'' Phenomenal! Her version of the Stylistics' ``You Make Me Feel Brand New'' was also great to hear.

Two-time Grammy winner Peabo Bryson turned in the overall best performance of the night. The graceful veteran worked the stage and audience well during his commanding performance. Backed by a wonderfully accomplished group of musicians, Bryson opened his set with ``By the Time This Night Is Over.'' The soul soothing vocalist was a smooth operator. The thunderously uplifting ``Can You Stop the Rain'' received a big response, but it was drenched by the standing ovation after he and Regina Belle reunited on their dynamic Disney duet ``A Whole New World.'' What a great moment in festival history.

Finally, while Gladys Knight boarded the midnight train a little late, she was worth the wait. Gladys was Gladys. Wearing a glamorously sparkling dress, the vocal legend entertained for an hour. Her first hit with the Pips was ``Every Beat of My Heart,'' and she poured hers into it. Gladys Knight took time out for down-to-earth storytelling between her set of classic songs. Her inspirational thoughts connected with the audience. Singing solo on the AIDS benefit number ``That's What Friends Are For,'' she ended with the phat and juicy sound of ``I Heard It Through the Grapevine.'' ILLUSTRATION: MUSIC REVIEW

Hampton Jazz Festival, featuring Gladys Knight, Peabo Bryson, Regina

Belle, Will Downing and Pieces of a Dream

Thursday at Hampton Coliseum

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