Martina McBride
Everlasting Tour
Merillville, IN
May 15,2015

By Michael Rampa

Clearly,Martina McBride would draw well singing the phone book. Fans proved that on last year’s sold out “Joy Of Christmas” tour that featured 120 minutes of public domain songs. On this year’s “Everlasting” circuit, she takes on some of the best songs ever written.  The album is a collection of R&B and soul covers originally performed by legends like Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Van Morrison. It’s a tall order and a massive shift from her country comfort zone. But her legendary voice proved up to the challenge.

From the moment a full horn section opened the show by marching through the first row, it was clear that this night in Northwest Indiana’s Star Plaza Theater would be a radical departure from her past concerts. Three overly capable Motown backup singers were also employed to produce a wildly energetic, two-hour non-stop auditory assault. After opening with the rocking “When God Fearin’ Women Get The Blues” she deftly moved through 22 songs of mostly original material with some live rarities. Her performance style usually mirrors her subdued staging. She has transitioned into to a much more active performer this time around with lots of dancing, crowd interaction and even a harmonica solo.

Thy typical highlight of a McBride show is the one two knockout punch of “A Broken Wing” and “Independence Day.” But when she and her backup singers ripped into a funky foot stomping rendition of the Etta James classic “In The Basement,” mid set(a powerful duet with Kelly Clarkson on the album)  it was the clear the audience would not have to wait for the big voiced signature ballads to witness the best number of the evening. Some covers were especially suited for her velvety pipes. ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now”  felt like it was being delivered on a strand of liquid silk. She dished out some full throttle fun on the blistering live rarity “Where Would You Be?” and Mark James’s “Suspicious Minds.”

One of the goals of the cross format album was to showcase her vocal skills beyond country; as one of the best singers across all genres and perhaps even deserving of a place in music history among the legendary predecessors she pays homage to. Mission accomplished.

For more visit: http://martinamcbride.com/