Country-pop singers like Barbara Mandrell, who performed last night at Stabler Arena, are continually faced with criticism from country purists who equate crossover success with selling out.
What many critics fail to consider is that country performers have rarely been immune to crossover ambitions. Several artists, like Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves, who are now revered for their musical contributions, were often criticized during their lifetimes for pursuing the greener pastures of pop.
It is not, then, on principle alone that Mandrell should be faulted for forsaking her country roots. (Yet by singing a song like “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” with a pop arrangement, she almost seems to be courting criticism.)
By styling herself as a good ole gal gone Vegas, Mandrell manages to subvert some of her most appealing characteristics. Mandrell’s voice, for example, may be country music’s greated untapped resource. On record, the voice is often smothered by unctuous strings and creamy arrangements. Rarely is it allowed to soar. Onstage, the audience is encouraged to marvel more at Mandrell the entertainer than Mandrell the singer.
Wearing a glittery black dress, Mandrell walked on stage and collected dozens of flowers from admirers before greeting the audience as if it were a bunch of old pals. The crowd of 3,100 was an enthusiastic recipient of Mandrell’s considerable charms.
Mandrell does best with some of her older material. Songs like “Rolling in My Sweet Baby’s Arms” and a medley of her hits shine the brightest. Also included in the nearly 90-minute set were a couple of harder rock tunes, a lot of humor and even a bit of dancing.
No Mandrell show would be complete without a demonstration of the singer’s musical virtuosity. Playing a mean saxophone and banjo during the course of the evening, Mandrell proved herself to be a talented musician.
When singing “That’s What Friends Are For,” Mandrell was at her best. A hint of country vibrato crept into her voice as she let loose with undeniable emotion. If Mandrell ever decided to tone down the Vegas flash and concentrate on songs like “That’s What Friends Are For” she might become the coolest country singer of them all.
Amy Longsdorf is a free-lance reviewer for The Morning Call.
