Hello all,
You might recall our friend Carter Rawson writing a wonderfully comprehensive January 10 review of Wolf Trap's Nick Lowe Tribute, which drew specific attention and positive comment from the show's promoter, Ronnie Newmeyer. Today, we're lucky to have him grace the blog once again with his rumination on last night's Kenny Rogers/Oak Ridge Boys co-bill. Check it out below, and keep this journalistic talent in mind for freelance writing gigs.
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This summer's soaring gas prices and recent economic indicators succeeded in lulling (Wolf Trap Reviewer-at-Large Carter Rawson) into nostalgia for the summer of 1981. On Wednesday night he put down the Rubik's cube and took in the Kenny Rogers and the Oak Ridge Boys at the Filene Center.
Stagflation had entered America's lexicon, disco was dead, and though director Michael Cimino's western epic, Heaven's Gate had been pronounced DOA, a gray-bearded country singer stepped up to assuage the nation during our last experience with "pain at the pump". Kenny Rogers’ career defining hit "The Gambler" ruled the airwaves over 27 years ago and it resurfaced on this cool August night to provide the cornerstone to Rogers' performance at Wolf Trap.
Unlike 1981, the 2008 edition of Kenny's never-ending-tour was largely bereft of the cowboy outfits that defined "The Gambler" persona. But perhaps in tribute, a now largely self-deprecating Kenny successfully enticed a front row fan into a friendly wager, effectively testing the audience for knowledge of Rogers' hit song catalog. The fan made out pretty well. The rest of the crowd was rewarded with the likes of “Lucille”, “Coward of the County”, “Lady” and the syrupy “Through The Years” in addition his signature hit. An added attraction, especially for those who recall his group First Edition, was a groovy dose of “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” replete with video footage circa 1968.
And while the performance was occasionally over-salted with the sort of narrative perhaps tailored to throngs at Branson, MO, it was an earnest look at a long road to superstardom with a surprising amount of levity -- thanks to some rather amusing video highlights from Kenny's career chronicling everything from facial hair to a Gambler-inspired rap video featuring Coolio.
Rounding out this Solid Gold evening were the The Oak Ridge Boys who've easily been in the country biz as long as Kenny Rogers. With gospel roots still largely intact despite numerous personnel changes, the rafters shook to the resounding double-bass strains of "Elvira" and the still-peppy "Bobbie Sue" among other favorites. ~CR
This summer's soaring gas prices and recent economic indicators succeeded in lulling (Wolf Trap Reviewer-at-Large Carter Rawson) into nostalgia for the summer of 1981. On Wednesday night he put down the Rubik's cube and took in the Kenny Rogers and the Oak Ridge Boys at the Filene Center.
Stagflation had entered America's lexicon, disco was dead, and though director Michael Cimino's western epic, Heaven's Gate had been pronounced DOA, a gray-bearded country singer stepped up to assuage the nation during our last experience with "pain at the pump". Kenny Rogers’ career defining hit "The Gambler" ruled the airwaves over 27 years ago and it resurfaced on this cool August night to provide the cornerstone to Rogers' performance at Wolf Trap.
Unlike 1981, the 2008 edition of Kenny's never-ending-tour was largely bereft of the cowboy outfits that defined "The Gambler" persona. But perhaps in tribute, a now largely self-deprecating Kenny successfully enticed a front row fan into a friendly wager, effectively testing the audience for knowledge of Rogers' hit song catalog. The fan made out pretty well. The rest of the crowd was rewarded with the likes of “Lucille”, “Coward of the County”, “Lady” and the syrupy “Through The Years” in addition his signature hit. An added attraction, especially for those who recall his group First Edition, was a groovy dose of “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” replete with video footage circa 1968.
And while the performance was occasionally over-salted with the sort of narrative perhaps tailored to throngs at Branson, MO, it was an earnest look at a long road to superstardom with a surprising amount of levity -- thanks to some rather amusing video highlights from Kenny's career chronicling everything from facial hair to a Gambler-inspired rap video featuring Coolio.
Rounding out this Solid Gold evening were the The Oak Ridge Boys who've easily been in the country biz as long as Kenny Rogers. With gospel roots still largely intact despite numerous personnel changes, the rafters shook to the resounding double-bass strains of "Elvira" and the still-peppy "Bobbie Sue" among other favorites. ~CR
Thanks for your review! I played with the Oak Ridge Boys that night. I was the guest saxophonist, Josh Cook, who played on "Bobbie Sue". It was a thrill!
ReplyDeleteIf anyone took any photos that night that I might be seen in, I'd really like to have them. I was unable to have any photos taken of my time onstage...
Please let me know at triads99@gmail.com if you've got any you could share! Thanks!
There are some really great
ReplyDeleteBranson shows to see! One of my favorites was the Shoji.