Posted Date: July 2, 2008

Hampton Jazz Festival Delivers Gold

By Wanda F. Camm
Entertainment Writer
New Journal and Guide

   The 2008 Hampton Jazz Festival’s Saturday night’s performers, Kem, Kenny G and Jill Scott, played to a sold out crowd. For me, the night belonged to Kenny G.
  Kem as always, gave a solid stellar performance. On the other hand, Jill Scott’s set seemed a little slow, dark and somber. The crowd seemed to have a difficult time warming up to her songs. I’ve seen Jill a few times before and this was not one of her better performances.
    When he finally appeared, everyone was looking eagerly towards the stage for the sax man of the hour and Kenny didn’t disappoint them. He started playing in the middle of the coliseum floor on top of a platform, to the delight of the festival goers. Kenny quickly found himself surrounded by fans clapping and dancing to the sound of “G Bop” from the “Breathless” CD.
   Kenny played old favorites such as “Songbird” and “Silhouette” to cuts from his newest project “Rhythm and Romance.”  During the performance, Kenny sold raffle tickets to win a sax which he designed. The sax was won by a woman named of Sherry. Kenny invited her on stage, serenaded her with the sax and then presented the sax to her, along with its carrying case.
  Sunday’s afternoon lineup included Dave Koz and friends featuring Peabo Bryson, British soul singer Joss Stone and Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.
  The headliner for Sunday was the incomparable Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. As always Frankie sang his heart out and had almost the entire group of festivalgoers standing, singing and dancing to the groups performance. I have seen Maze in concert countless times and it still a”Maze”s me how the music for “Joy and Pain” can have 11,000 plus folks on their feet swaying and singing in unison. It was an awesome sight and it shows that music is truly a universal language. Frankie Beverly is one of the masters of that language.   
  The festival organizers were again very successful in providing a very entertaining and memorable weekend.

 

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