KNIGHT & THE PIPS KEEP A FRESH SLANT

After singing together for 34 years, Gladys Knight & the Pips have become an institution. When artists reach this stage, they often start taking themselves too seriously--or just start going through the motions. But Knight & the Pips’ show Friday at the Universal Amphitheatre was vital and fresh. They dispensed with the oldies early, giving Knight time to savor a slow, ironic version of “I Will Survive,” and her brother Merald a chance to nearly steal the show with a hilarious parody of Prince.

The past two years have been terrific for veteran black female vocalists, with Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle all enjoying career resurgences. If there’s any justice, Knight will be next. She’s easily one of the most expressive singers in pop music, blending conversational ease and intimacy with heart-stopping power and intensity. And she’s a superb live performer, with a relaxed, natural manner and a dry, disarming wit. She is, simply, the class of her field.