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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 1998Reba McEntire, 3/4/98Well, I wasn't sure I was going to make it to the Rodeo this year, but luckily a few friends came through with tickets, so I wouldn't have to miss this Houston mega-spectacle of country music, cowboys, and large animals. It's one of those "must do" things if you live here. Check out my review of Houston Rodeo 1997. First up was Reba McEntire. I guess I should call myself a fan by now, since I've seen her live 4 times. Reba is a spectacular performer, but the last two times I've seen her were much scaled down versions compared to the first two. This night, Reba looked a bit updated with a shorter, redder hairdo and a kicky, short, pleated skirt, red glittered jacket with black racing stripes down the sleeves, and some cool tall black go go boots. Looking rather thin and cute, she started her set with "Why Haven't I Heard From You" and continued with other sad, yet triumphant songs like "Take It Back", "You Lied", and "Rumor Has It". At one point my friend turned to me and said, "Does she sing any happy songs?" "Not really", I thought. Reba continued with some banter about her father before "Greatest Man I Never Knew" and how she had been on vacation with him recently. She also told a cute story about how he never said "I Love You" to her, except just before surgery recently. She and her sisters humorously exclaimed "Must be the drugs" to which the crowd laughed. Reba also sang the ballad "The World Didn't Stop for My Broken Heart" dedicating it as always to her band that had been killed in an accident in the early 90s. The highlight of the evening came when Linda Davis joined Reba for the duet "Does He Love You", a song from both perspectives, the wife and the other woman. Linda Davis, who could easily have her own solo career, has maintained her status as Reba's backup singer for years. The loyalty and friendship of the two is evident on stage and their voices are beautiful together. Reba closed with the peppy, Fancy, which is the almost autobiographical rags to riches, and the choices therein, story. Vince Gill, 3/5/98Second night at the Rodeo in a row. The novelty of the actual Rodeo events has worn off, so the only reason I am there is to see Vince Gill. Vince is a "guilty pleasure" for me. I am leery to admit how much I like him and still be taken seriously in my taste for music, but he is very good. Not only does he have a beautiful voice, he plays lead guitar for his band, and he's a pretty good looking man at that. This night was his first night touring in a while, and his voice did seem a bit out of practice, but still very lovely. He opened with "One More Last Chance" and then played through ballads ("Just Look at Us" for the Bush's) and Key of Life (for his father who passed away last year) and then through rocking numbers, like What the Cowgirls Do (the recently divorced Vince stating he was looking for one) and the closer Liza Jane. I am amazed at home accomplished his lead guitar stylings were. He seemed in his own world on stage during the solo numbers. He had a nice rapport with the large Astrodome crowd, even in this difficult venue, telling stories about his recent Grammy win for "Pretty Little Adrianna" and taking his daughter with him to NY for the first time. Vince Gill is a pure musician and is very talented. He is definitely a Rodeo favorite of mine. The only criticism this year is his failure to play "When I Call Your Name" one of his big hits and one of my favorites. I call that pulling a Juliana Hatfield. Perhaps the pain of his recent divorce prevented him from doing such sentimental numbers. Nevertheless, it was missed. On That Note, I'm outta here...... C |
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