DATE: Sunday, September 7, 1997             TAG: 9709080241

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JEFF MAISEY 

                                            LENGTH:   42 lines

REGGAE CONCERT PULSES WITH ``RAGE AND FURY''

Yo! Yo! Yo! Who needs sun to have fun? Reggae veterans Steel Pulse put on a fantastic show Friday night in front of a sold-out Boathouse crowd. Many fans without tickets were taken by surprise when they were turned away.

Hitting the road to promote its new album, ``Rage and Fury,'' Britain's Pulse beat with rhythmic emotion and a determined sense of significance.

The bold, politically charged ``Ku Klux Klan'' was performed well, as singer David Hines communicated, ``Those cowards kill who they fear/that's why they hide behind/the hoods and cloaks they wear.''

A raging, burning saxophone solo added fuel to the fiery tune of protest.

The anti-establishment vibes of ``Role Model'' proved the power possessed by this Rastafarian group, celebrating its 12th album and 20-year career. Along with Hinds, core members Selwyn ``Bumbo'' Brown on keyboards and the gray-and-white-bearded percussionist Steve ``Grizzly'' Nisbett were instrumental in giving the concert an air of jubilance. They stayed on the move, waving their arms, jumping and jamming.

``Life Without Music'' gained the Grammy-winning group the largest voice of approval from the audience. The brightly dressed horn section was an entertaining lot unto itself.

As is common at reggae shows, the crowd danced and smiled from start to finish. It was a party of peace and love and a celebration of life. It seemed as if everyone on hand were true reggae fans and true Steel Pulse admirers.

Virginia Beach's dynamic reggae group, Zion Wave, has been around for more than a decade. Performing like veterans, Zion Wave thrilled the audience for nearly an hour. Vocalist/guitarist Louis Fedee has a reason to be proud on stage. His talented daughter, Allison, graced her keyboard with island-bright notes. The group's sound was sharp and clear on a set that included Eric Clapton's classic, ``I Shot The Sheriff.'' Zion Wave filled the venue with positive vibrations. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

CONCERT REVIEW

Steel Pulse with Zion Wave

Friday at The Boathouse, Norfolk

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