Saturday August 24th

Reba

Wednesday May 11, 2005

For those who don’t know who Reba is, it’d be clear that you don’t listen to music or watch television, enjoy the theatre or read very much. Because this powerhouse of talent has conquered all of those mediums and will conquer anything she sets her mind to. When you look into the world that Reba has created through her talent and sheer hard work you really gain an appreciation for the lady. She’s not afraid of anything, knows how to keep things interesting (admitting she’d be the first to get bored with anything) and always stays true to herself. Loved by her peers, idolized by those working their way up and admired by her own idols, this is a woman who is first a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, then an entertainer, a businesswoman and legend in the making.

And yeah, she’s a pretty phenomenal singer too…which is why thousands of us were flocking to Casino Rama over a few days in May to get our dose of Reba. For this tour (her first in a few years) Reba wanted to offer a scaled back show, focusing on the music. And that was okay with us…she’s worth the trip, no matter what.

By 8 pm the second night crowd was pretty well settled, all 5000 of us. The lights were dimmed, bringing the inevitable screams up, and the stage lit up as the band took their places. Each show by any artist starts the same way, with the anticipation building as the band members’ wait, suspended…and from a lower level an elevator brings a familiar silhouette up into the light. As the band launches into the first song the screens light up with the radiant smile that we can see every week on television, and “So Good Together” fills the air. You can love her stage work, her TV. show or how she writes, but where she’s really in her element is here, with music, people and her amazing voice.

As she crosses the stage to make sure no one’s left out, she looks as great as she’s ever looked as she greets the folks in the crowd. Into the next song with a little pause, “The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter”. “Whoever’s In New England” brought a roar of appreciation from the crowd and then it was hello to the crowd and her heartfelt appreciation for us being out to see them.

“I’d Rather Ride Around With You” was the fun filled tune out next. Film clips during the song feature prominent Canadian landmarks, including one of a restaurant I’m VERY familiar with. But I’m not saying which one.

An acoustic musical interlude by an exceptional player leads into “You Lie”, one of the many hits from a few years ago. These songs only get better with time. Lights go down for the moon and clouds on the back screen, setting the stage for “When The Lights Went Out In Georgia”.

Going back to some of the songs from the last 20 – 30 years, which made everyone laugh when she mentioned it. “30, 40, what does it matter when it’s past 20”, she asked, with a shrug. It’s hard to believe this energetic performer has been churning out hits since the 70’s, but it’s true…ever since she was discovered singing the national anthem at a rodeo in the early 70’s. (Reba’s celebrated her 50^th birthday this year, and she was quite happy with the fact too.)

“Gonna Take That Mountain” was the first one of this group, and it had everyone bouncing in their seats. Back to 1985 next, for “Little Rock”. “Rumour Has It” from a few years later followed that up with Reba heading right into the next one, “Walk On”. “I Can’t Even Get The Blues” from 1982, which ended up being the first #1 record. (Records, remember those? I do…)

You know, it’s only when you hear so many excellent songs all in a row that you remember just how many hits this lady has had. I know there are about half a dozen that instantly come to mind when I’m questioned about ‘favourites’, but any of these could qualify when it comes right down to it.

The next song came along 22 years after the first hit, and it hit #1 too…”Somebody”. At the beginning of this song a girl went to the front of the stage with a T-shirt for Reba to sign, but she looked over and remarked, “I can’t sing and write at the same time, I’ll be singing my name,” then she added, “If you leave it there, I’ll do it later,” and that’s when she lost her place in the song. “See?!” she laughed, and so she started over. Her advice once the song was over? “Keep on looking, you’ll find ‘em.”

Barry Dean wrote a song about his grandparents and says they were soul mates. “Love Is A Hard, Hard Road” is a really touching song of older folks and their relationships, delivered with a note of empathy.

Rocking out for the next one, “Love Revival”. “He Gets That From Me” from the ‘Room To Breathe’ CD is up next, with the video showing in the background. “Fear Of Being Alone” had everyone going, and it’s funny how I’ve been thinking about this song lately.

My definite favourite Reba song is “I’ll Be” and it was up next. Absolutely beautiful, even better in person. It can apply to anyone you love and says it perfectly, try it and see what I mean.

“Take It Back” was the saucy follow up, right into “Why Haven’t I Heard From You”. “Sisters” is the tribute to her best friends, her sisters Suzie and Alice. It’s the newest single and the one she dedicates to all the sisters out there.

She tells us that back in 2001 she got to have her own show (which brought a roar from all the steady viewers) so she wanted to do the theme song next, “I’m A Survivor”. One thing that really touched me was the sight of a fellow in his 50’s (or maybe even 60’s) sitting a few rows ahead of us with his wife, energetically singing along to ‘Survivor’. That really brings back the fact that these artists are more than just singers; they really become part of people’s families and bring a lot of happiness to people. “Is There Life Out There” was next, filling in the theme of strong women songs, by one of the strongest I’ve ever seen. That was the ‘final’ song of the night but of course the crowd was not going to let her get away that easily.

“Fancy” was the encore song, and I’ve heard before that it’s Reba’s own favourite, and she came out in a red halter while the video played along in the background. The mutual love in was over all too soon, and we were left with hoping the next visit wouldn’t be too far in the future.

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Starstruck Entertainment and Mr. Narvel Blackstock for helping to make this coverage something special. We’ve always felt that Reba was a diamond; strong, beautiful and timeless, and it was an honour to be able to cover her once again.

Thanks again to the incredible crew at Casino Rama, the most professional group we’ve had the delight to meet. And the most beautiful place to boot.

And a very special thanks to Reba, for her welcoming smile, her amazing ability to bring the crowd right into her show and for coming back every once in a while to give us such a treat. There’s no one else like her. God Bless.

Written by Kim Jamieson

Photos by Wayne Tozzi