Friday, April 3, 1998 | 9:02 a.m.
Crystal Gayle offered a warm, mostly country-styled program Thursday in the Orleans Hotel state-of-the-art showroom. Her backup group, the Gemstones, opened the 85-minute performance with a hoedown-influenced "Sweet Georgia Brown" and an unnamed jazz piece featuring acoustic guitarist Blue Jay Patton on saxophone.
Gayle made her entrance at the 10-minute mark, with all that lovely hair down her back to her ankles. "I Never Felt More Like Singing The Blues" was followed by "It Feels Like We Never Said Goodbye," a sultry "Take Me All The Way," her first Top 10 song, "Here I Go Again, Taking The Wrong Road," and first No. 1, "I'll Get Over You," and "I've Got A Never-Ending Love For You."
She chatted with Buddy Striker and Blue Jay Patton, then sang "When I Dream" and brought sister Peggy Sue and the acoustic players downstage for a gospel take on "Precious Days On Earth Are Numbered." "This Is My Year For Mexico," "I'll Do It All Over Again," "River Road," and "It's Been A Too-Long Time" led to a break for a gown change and a band spot.
Blue Jay scored nicely with "Black Hat On A Saxophone," an original, then introduced sister Peggy Sue for two numbers. Gayle returned for an extended series of duets with Peggy Sue, great variety; then Gayle took over and sang three more hits, ending with "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," did intros, and closed with "I See The Light" and "Jesus On The Main Line."
Crystal shares the stage generously and for good reason. Peggy Sue and the Gemstones warrant their featured spots. Gayle closes Saturday. Catch her.
JOE DELANEY is a SUN entertainment critic.
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