THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 7, 1997 TAG: 9702070117
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E13 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Music Review
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 50 lines
A LMOST 5,000 PEOPLE showed up at Hampton Coliseum Wednesday to see a performer who has not shown up on the charts since Year One.
It was Waylon Jennings in inaction - not much movement, little to say. If you don't mind a performer who just stands around and sings (close your eyes and you'll think you're at home listening to records), you'll enjoy the ole Outlaw.
Musically, it was a predictable two hours of the predictable. That's good. His distinctive, ``sock-it-to-'em'' baritone and that trademark growl can still make points, pretty doggone good for someone a year away from the big 6-0.
The songs he's been singing for nearly three decades still sound good: ``Good Hearted Woman'' and ``Mama, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys'' are two of his trademarks; ``Amanda'' is a ballad that can hold its own against many of today's weepers. The audience favorite was - no surprise - ``Luckenbach, Texas.''
Jennings began his pro career in Lubbock, Texas, as a disc jockey. Today, he disdains the members of his former profession for ignoring him and his '70s cohorts. He often shares those feelings.
But not Wednesday. There was a quick anecdote about his buddies - Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson - but that was about it.
Whatever he had to say, he said musically. His band, The Waylors, had their few moments in the spotlight. As did Jessi Colter (Mrs. Jennings), who opened the evening with a nice, mediocre set highlighted her lovely gem, ``I'm Not Lisa.''
She came back on stage near the end of the concert, joining her husband in a couple of neat duets, including ``Suspicious Minds.''
Jennings did get a little livelier toward the end of the show, showing more spirit than he did during the first part.
The audience, many the same age as the star, was semi-enthusiastic. They shouted approval, but, wonder of wonders, never once stood up during the show.
It was a show of good, traditional country music - if nothing else. ILLUSTRATION: MIKE HEFFNER
Waylon Jennings gave the crowd a show of good, traditional country
music - if nothing else.
MUSIC REVIEW
Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter
Wednesday at Hampton Coliseum