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Thursday
August 29th, 2002 at Casino Rama
If there is
anyone who hasn’t had the wonderful experience of attending a show at
the new Casino Rama Entertainment Centre I must tell you to remedy that as
soon as you can. If there’s
anyone who hasn’t been transfixed by the unbelievable performance of
Martina McBride in person I must tell you to fix that right away too.
When you get the chance to do both of the above at the same time
the experience is nothing short of heaven sent.
While the Entertainment Centre has been open for some time now and
Martina has performed at Rama in previous years for us the whole thing was
brand new and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
To give
you a sense of the evening as we experienced it let me start at the
beginning. You see, as
someone who has covered a wide variety of shows by a wider variety of
artists (though all of them have been, of course, country) you get used to
the usual way of doing things. It’s
usually efficient, usually quite a pleasant experience and you usually
meet some very nice people. It
makes your job a little easier and you can appreciate the wonderful
‘behind the scenes’ world that keeps the artists moving as they do.
And then there are those times where you find yourself blown away
by everything, everyplace and everybody.
You can’t believe how you lucked out and that’s what happened
to us when we covered the Martina McBride show at
Casino Rama.
The
complex features different sized theaters with different seating plans and
Martina would be appearing in the largest, a room that was deeper than it
was wide and had a sloping seating area toward the back.
The stage was elaborately decorated with centre stairs flanked by
‘steps’ on either side where the musicians would be set up.
Crescent shaped accents were placed on varying levels to add
contrast and the lighting was incredible.
As we entered the theater was almost full, the show due to begin
promptly at 8 PM with no opening act.
Everything was going like clockwork.
The screens on either side of the stage flashed photos of upcoming
performers and dates while different genres of background music flowed
through the room, the cleanest sounding house system I’ve ever heard.
As the
lights began to dim the band filed in and took their spots, the stage
lights began to strobe and suddenly she’s there, at the top of the
stairs. The lights stabilize,
the band kicks in and as she strides out to the front of the stage the
opening bars of “It’s My Time” are unmistakable.
The six-piece band is right on and Martina sounds amazing.
After her first song she takes the time to say hello to Ontario.
“How are you?” she calls out, to a cheer in response.
As her wide smile is flashed across the side screens I couldn’t
help but notice that from my seat in the sixth row you could still see how
blue her eyes were. She is as wonderful looking as you’d imagine and no, her
photos don't need any touching up in any way.
With her long hair down, dressed in a simple black top and hip
hugging black ‘leathery looking’ pants she is the epitome of youthful
energy. “Wild Angels”,
the song that was Martina’s first single to hit # 1 back in 1996 was the
next song out and was greeted with wild applause.
Martina does not hold back, she gives every song her all and to get
that much power and emotion from such a little person is something to see.
She was made to do this,
it’s apparent in every note she sings.
(At the
side of the stage all of a sudden you could see a little tiny person
seated on a chair, swinging her feet.
This little person was last seen in the video for the latest # 1
song “Blessed...Martina’s daughter Emma.
Nearby was the reassuring figure of Emma’s dad, John McBride.)
Next up
would be another older selection but always a positive one (and truer
words were never spoken) - “My Baby Loves Me Just The Way (Just The Way
That I Am)” - which she finished off by calling out “ONTARIO loves me
just the way that I am...” The roar that followed that statement proved
that 4000 people in the room agreed wholeheartedly.
During the brief break following this song Martina acknowledged
that “...the place has grown some since the last time...” they were
there. “There’s a lot of
you out there,” she remarked as the house lights were brought up a bit.
“Nice, big stage...I’m gonna get my workout tonight.”
“There
You Are” brought rounds of applause from the first bars of music and
although the song topped out at #10 you’d think it was a #1 hit from the
way the crowd almost swooned...although I must admit that while it is a
beautiful song it’s the amazing vocal control and ability to hold those
notes forever that really sets this song apart.
When someone whistled during the next break Martina flashed a wide
smile in that direction and said, “I’m liking this already...”
Laughter and applause for someone’s daring took us into the next song.
Described by Martina as a “new version of an old song” is a
surprise she likes to through in to the show to liven things up.
A tribute to country songs of ‘old’ the choice was an almost
rockin’ country version of “Harper Valley P.T.A.” and what a job
she’s made of it. Rerecorded
in that fashion it would ride the charts again, I’ve no doubt.
The roar
that accompanied the next song, the perennial women’s favourite “When
God Fearing Women Get The Blues” would be followed by dancing in their
seats...while everyone was totally into it and appreciative of the show so
far no one was doing the ‘standing and blocking’ thing yet.
Seated and hollering was the order of the day. With the excellent sound system (state of the art apparently)
that Rama has installed the clarity of the sound was incredible, which
allowed the obvious enjoyment and fun she has doing this song really shine through. It sounded
awesome.
“Love’s
The Only House” featured outstanding harmonica work by Martina too (yup,
really). The song
allows her to go from the narrative almost - talking part to the
full-throated wail that the song is known for.
“Safe In The Arms Of Love” (which many Canadian fans will know
was also recorded by Michelle Wright) was the next choice.
Background vocals were ably handled by the band’s acoustic guitar
player. You’ve heard what’s been said about family harmonies
being the best? Well, when
you’ve heard right - Marty Schiff, brother of Martina (the other
siblings being Steve and Gina) was along for the tour making it a real
‘family show’.
I can’t
get over how such a huge voice can come from such a tiny person.
Martina shares the fact that the video for “Safe” was shot in
Montreal and a few people let out a whoop.
Martina laughed and said, “So there’s five people here from
Montreal.”
“Valentine” - an absolutely beautiful song, especially
live - and Martina figured that it had been a choice for many weddings,
anniversaries and just romantic times so “if you want to, put your arm
around the person next to you...if you don’t know them you might want to
ask them first, “ she finished off as people glanced around and started
to laugh. Absolutely breathtaking job...I had heard that Martina made a
conscious decision to record her music the way she sounded live so as not
to have any discrepancies between her sound live or on the CD’s and if
anything I think she sounds better live.
The emotion that is put into each of her songs is something that
can’t be transcribed onto a recording to its full justice and
“Valentine” is a perfect example of this.
She had
said that if anyone had any requests...and right off someone shouted out
“Independence Day”...which made her laugh.
Next she explained, “Just write the request on one of those
little black chips and pass it on up.”
Even the band had to laugh at that one.
Growing up in Kansas she and the other kids used to love the movie
“Wizard Of Oz”, which she said they always seemed to play during
tornado season. “Just used
to scare the crap out of us kids - I don’t know why they’d do that,”
she remarked, shaking her head. Back
then she used to watch Judy Garland singing and wish that she could do
that too. To her, it was a
movie about making your dreams come true and having hope that what you
want more than anything might actually come to pass - and she was living
proof that that can happen, your dreams can actually come true.
“Over The Rainbow” was a song that she felt described that idea
perfectly and I’ve never heard anyone do a better version of it.
She really believes in the message of that song - it’s something
you have no doubt about when you hear her do it.
And you are so thankful that for one little girl growing up in
Kansas dreams would turn into reality and make a whole lot of people
happy; from those people not a sound could be heard as the song ended,
then a sea of applause.
Warren
Copnick from BMG Canada snuck out from side stage next, along with his
helper Julie, to present Martina with an award to celebrate the Greatest
Hits CD going ‘Gold’ in Canada.
Martina (as she had with the rest of the show) brought the audience
into it too, saying,” It’s a testament to you guys, thanks for letting
this happen.” There have
been few performers that I’ve seen who have the natural ability to bring
the crowd right into the show with them, almost to the point where
you’re both there doing a job together; they sing the songs, you love
them and appreciate them for it. You
get the real sense that she’s there with
you, enjoying being together and just loving the music, not that
she’s there for you, to admire
and listen to but not approach or touch.
Perhaps
by coincidence or by design (it really doesn’t matter), the next song
was one of my favourites (and Martina’s latest #1) - “Blessed”. Martina has described the song as, “...something I could
have written for myself. Before
I found the song, I’d say it all the time, ‘I’m so blessed’,
because I truly feel like I am. I
was given this gift of music. Not
only that, I was given a safe and happy upbringing.
I was given the intelligence to be articulate, most of the time. I have my beautiful family.
And best of all, I was given the gift to be able to enjoy this,
realize what it is and not take it for granted.”
Obviously another crowd favourite, for many reasons.
“Happy
Girl” is such a quick, upbeat song and it’s something that says anyone
can take an unhappy or ‘down’ time and turn it around, a very valuable
message for a lot of people. Martina
wanted some help with this one and had the lights brought up so she could
see out into the crowd. When
the line approached that Martina wanted us to participate on she held the
microphone out toward the crowd, so we could oblige and fill it in for
her. Our reward? A
very large smile, crowned by those amazingly big eyes.
A request
passed to her on a piece of paper had her attention as someone called out
to her a different song. “No
chip!” she replied to the person who’d called out, then she added that
the written request was a song she’d wanted to do anyway.
She turned to clue her band in and (from the “Evolution” CD)
they headed into “Wrong Again”. Following
this she revealed that she had to do the next song because it touched her
so much when she first heard it, she cried every time afterward. There was no doubt that she’d record it because it had such
an impact. That song was
“Concrete Angel” and if you haven’t heard it yet then wait, because
you won’t forget it once you have.
“What
Do You Say” featured remarkable acoustic work by brother Marty and
another ‘lights up’ interlude so Martina could sing with the audience
again. It was turning into a
“Martina & Friends” type of show and it was very nice to see that
she was having as much fun as we were. “With A Broken Wing” is a special song because of the
amazing power that Martina pours into it.
It’s even more than on the recorded version, which is impressive
enough.
A young
lady waiting near the front of the stage ran up, handed Martina a slip of
paper and retreated while Martina read it.
Not too far away though, which was good as Martina asked, “Who
wrote this?” The young
woman approached again and Martina next asked, “What did you use to
write this with? Because I’m having a hard time reading it...” She
crouched to hear the young lady’s reply and began to laugh. “Eyeliner!” she announced to the crowd, as she
straightened up again. A
conversation followed between the two, which was revealed to be a request
from Brandice (the young lady) to Martina to the effect that if Martina
would allow Brandice to come up and sing “Where Would You Be” with
her, Brandice would give Martina the $138.00 she won at a slot machine
earlier that day. Martina
looked surprised, amused and tickled pink all at the same time, then asked
Brandice, “You really want to sing that song?
Because even I have trouble with some of those high notes, gives me
quite a workout.” When
Brandice assured her that she did Martina turned to side stage and asked
“Will someone go out and bring her up here? Bring her right up here with me.” An obliging crewmember appeared and led Brandice out, then
she emerged into the lights with Martina.
As they said hello Brandice got a look out into the room and got
what I think was quite a shock...it must be a scary view from the stage
unless it’s something you’re used to.
Looking at 4000 people looking back at you would unnerve anyone,
never mind getting up there to sing in front of them when they don’t
know you. Brandice said
she’d start off, then added, “I’ve changed the end on you”.
Martina thought that was pretty darn funny and said no problem.
Brandice started into the song while Martina stood next to her,
watching attentively. After
the first verse Martina gave her a ‘high 5’, then stepped back and sat
the stairs. The song
continued for a little while longer until Brandice said to her, “I
wanted to sing the song with
you...” at which point Martina hurriedly got up and stepped forward to
join in. Together they finished the rest of the song and ended to
thunderous applause. There
was even a standing ovation...it was definitely something that Brandice
Garland, a young performer from Barrie Ontario, will never forget. Nor will I. When
you spend most of your time seeking out ways to support, encourage and
provide opportunities for new or on-the-rise talent what Martina did in
one generous moment means more than she’d ever know.
Thank you Martina! Your
heart is as big as your incredible voice and your fans will always be
proud of you.
A little
figure was spotted peeking out around the side of the stage and Martina
noticed her. Emma was
promptly invited out to say hello to everyone by her mother, so she shyly
stepped out to the centre of the stage, attention focused on her mother
more than the rest of us. Martina
prompted her to say hello, so we were treated to a small “Hello”,
before she added that she’s 4 (again prompted by her mother).
Martina added that Emma was along on the tour because her
pre-school doesn’t start until the following week, while big sister
Delaney had to stay home and start school earlier.
“It’s just Mommy, Daddy and Emma this time”, Martina said to
us and to Emma, before escorting her daughter back to the protective
company of her father.
Back to
the front of the stage, Martina began signing a few autographs for people
while the requests were being called out again.
Stepping back she looked around is amazement and announced, “I
have completely lost control of
this show!” Stepping back
to centre stage she prepared to continue on.
The band fell silent and so did the crowd, and with no
accompaniment she began to sing “Independence Day”.
As the band joined in everyone began clapping along, and as the
tempo and the emotion picked up toward the end the crowd began their
ovation, even as Martina ended the song with an emotional striking out
that sent the microphone stand flying over.
Martina has described this song as “the song that changed my
life”, and although it never broke into the top 10 on any charts it’s
always been considered “a # 1 song”. Chosen by Martina for recording in 1994, she never gave any
thought to the ‘business practicality’ of the choice - she wanted the
issue it represented brought out and felt strongly about that making a
difference. And it has. In
addition to the fund raising activities she’s been involved in to
benefit domestic-violence shelters, she’s been helping to educate young
woman about choices and self-worth. Martina
is also the national celebrity spokesperson in the U.S. for the National
Network to End Domestic Violence.
With
“Independence Day” being Martina’s last song of the evening she
thanked everyone for coming out, gathered up some of the items brought for
her by the crowd and left the way she’d come, back up the stairs.
The standing ovation continued even as the band left the stage and
through the continuing darkness until the band filed back out. Martina re-emerged for the ‘encore song’, another of her
‘message songs’. Which
was this one? “I Love
You” - what else?!
We have
been involved in this activity of covering shows for a few years now, with
great pride in the excellent performers that call country music home.
We have covered men, women, groups, those that are Canadian, those
that are American, those that have been around for decades, those who are
just starting out. And
we’ve been very proud to do so. So
when I say that if you get a chance to attend a Martina McBride show in
your area please do, you can believe that you’ll be blown away.
Because you will be, without a doubt.
Not only is she an excellent entertainer, she’s a warm, caring
and very intelligent woman. She’s up there as the ‘star’, true. But to her, you - out there in your seat - are the reason
there’s a show. You’re
the reason that she’s come to see you, and she’ll love you for it.
And you’ll have one of the most enjoyable live concert
experiences of the year, if not ever.
So we have to thank Martina McBride for making this coverage
possible; how could anything this much fun ever be considered “work”?
We’ll be out to see you again and the sooner the better.
And yes, we love you too!
Special
thanks to Casino Rama’s excellent Entertainment facility and the 100%
professional staff who keep the whole thing running.
We’ve never had such smooth sailing on a debut voyage before and
we look forward to successive visits.
You all make it look so easy - a sure sign of efficiency.
Thanks again, it was a pleasure.
Written by Kim Jamieson
Photos by Wayne Tozzi
©2002 Opry North/Whitepaw Productions
All Rights Reserved.
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