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Gladys gives big crowd `Knight' to remember!

In yesterday's review of Jazzscape concert the Tempo guitarist who played his instrument with his teeth was incorrectly identified. It was actually Randy Lambert.

Bermuda Jazzscape 1996 -- National Stadium -- Saturday October 12 A Knight to remember just about sums up Gladys' performance at the National Stadium on Saturday.

For the lady gives definition to the word diva -- and only she could bring the audience to their feet simply by walking on stage.

Opening with the Pointer Sisters' "I'm So Excited'', Gladys -- regal in a white trouser suit -- had every person in the audience clapping their hands and tapping their feet.

And with her worldwide hit "That's What Friends Are For,'' she had the crowd, huddled under a sea of umbrellas, singing their hearts out.

The evening showers could not dampen this lady's spirit and her vibrant, soaring voice made all feel toasty warm.

Several even danced in the aisles as she sang hit song after hit song.

Fans enjoyed everything from classics like "I Heard It Through The Grapevine'' to Mariah Carey's recent top-40 hit "Hero.'' There was not a soul who was not completely captivated by, if not mesmerised, by this superstar's performance.

Earlier, the sultry Cassandra Wilson took to the stage with her unique brand of jazz, mixed with rhythm and blues with a bit of African flavour thrown in for good measure.

Dressed in a sexy silk print, which reflected the dazzling array of stage lights beautifully, Wilson's rich, strong, sensual voice emanated through the blustery, rainy night air.

No one could doubt that Wilson felt what she was singing for at times she seemed to be in her own little world, a world that the audience could not seem to penetrate.

When she was not singing at the microphone, Wilson was back stage with her band absorbing the music.

Perhaps a smaller, more intimate venue, like a smoky nightclub would have better complemented her smouldering style. National Stadium was just too big for the audience to enjoy all her warmth and laid-back charm.

But veteran guitarist Lee Ritenour's distinctive brand of contemporary jazz was made for stadium-style venues.

A natural entertainer, Ritenour charged the audience with his high voltage guitar riffs and held them spellbound.

And he generously shared the spotlight with his band, allowing their natural character and talent to shine.

Drummer Hillary Jones exhausted the crowd with her powerful and commanding drum solos causing women to cheer, "You go, girl!''.

The group's rapport and closeness was evident for all to see as they playfully challenged each other, egging one another on to fresh virtuoso efforts.

Spectators barely noticed the drizzle for they were busy being enthralled with throbbing bass lines, superb saxophone and sizzling guitar riffs.

Ritenour and his band kept the energy up throughout their performance and earned their standing ovation.

But unfortunately, only a sparse crowd was on hand to enjoy the sounds of local opening act Tempo.

The group dished up a number of classics for the small, but appreciative, audience including Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World.'' And latecomers truly missed a treat when John Lee played his guitar with his teeth.

NICOLE WILLIAMS REVIEW REV