Playlist

Teena Marie unleashed some testifying, glorifying and tears at Nokia Theatre in an almost two-hour set on Friday night. The soul-funk sister's distinctive voice and unique phrasing never faltered through a barrage of hits. Even the strongest and highest notes looked effortless.

The 30-year music veteran danced, swayed and slid across the stage, sometimes turning her back on an adoring (but tired) audience to conduct her impeccable band. She had as much reverence for them as they had for her; the horn players even wore T-shirts that bore her likeness. Several times, Rick Jame's protegee went to her bongos or strapped on her guitar and seemed happiest just being part of the band.

And then the singer born Mary Christine Brockert would remind everyone why they were there, unleashing one powerful song after another. She started the show with "Behind the Groove," moving on to "I Need Your Loving" and "Portugese Love." She thanked the crowd and God for 2003 which saw her last No. 1, "Still in Love" from La Dona, on then-new label Cash Money Classics. What she wanted to do, she said, was "write love songs to motivate, not infiltrate." It seems as if she's still doing just that, with new record Sapphire on its way.

For more than 10 minutes Edgar Winter and his three men band gave "Frankenstein" free reign of the House of Blues Music Hall stage Friday night. It was a monstrous tour-de-force. That may sound like a cliché, but it was true.

The 61-year-old classic rocker, still sporting his long white hair and beard on his albino skin, strapped keyboards around his neck and let his synthesizer wail. Then the drums pounded, the guitar was screaming and the bass was thumping. Before it ended, Mr. Winter had done a drum duel and played his trusty saxophone midway through the tune.

"Free Ride," with its killer guitar riff, was another huge highlight. But so were several tracks from his new CD, Rebel Road, including "The Power of Positive Drinkin'," "Texas Tornado" and the title cut.

For more of Edgar Winter's Friday night gig at the House of Blues, check out Sunday's GuideLive.

Photo: Edgar Winter jamming Friday at the House of Blues (Mona Reeder/DMN).