Martina McBride is one of the hardest working women in country music. It seems like she tours nonstop. Even though she has made her way through WNY a handful of times over the last several years, this is the first time I have seen her live. This year she is on tour in support of a rhythm, blues and soul cover disc titled “Everlasting.” It was a chart topping seller with a debut at #7 on billboard music charts. McBride’s touring theme consists of a Motown/Big Band feel that includes a horn section along with 3 backup vocalists. Her pianist and longtime musical director Jim Medlin accompanied her as well.
The show started with the horn section walking up the aisles playing and taking the stage to set up McBride’s entrance. She played a harmonica during her 2nd song which was “Love’s the Only House.” McBride did interject thoughts in between some of her songs, “Guys, you want to know what women really want?” She then proceeded to joke about picking up their underwear and putting the toilet seat down before she stated how “We just want you to do right by us and love us.” This led into the Aretha Franklin cover “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.”
She talked about one of her most inspirational songs in “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.” This was written on behalf of those who support their significant others in battling cancer. She said people talk about this song more than any other when she interacts with her fans. You could tell how true this was upon looking at the audience reactions and expressions.
McBride also discussed the journey to living out your dreams in that no one knows what lies ahead and how mistakes will be made. She then launched into the Pink song “Perfect.” She then proceeded to sing Happy Birthday to one of her backup singers. Medlin and McBride were left to do a solo on “In My Daughter’s Eyes.” Lead guitarist Greg Foresman was with her and took spotlight on “Little Bit of Rain.” The horn section came up and joined in on The Supremes cover “Come See About Me.” The harmonies flowed nicely between the backup singers and McBride on the song “Down in the Basement.” She received a standing ovation for her vocal work on “Whatever You Say” / “Where Would You Be” medley.
If there was one highlight of the evening it was when McBride powered through “Anyway.” After hearing this song you will see why McBride is considered one of the most gifted singers in country music.
The show really came together without a hitch but if I was to point out one negative it would be the lack of lighting during her show. It was hard to see her if you were several rows back form the stage. She was purposely left in shadows and unflattering light the entire night. She had no spotlights on her the entire evening and houselights were used when she talked in between songs. A beautiful voice and woman shouldn’t be left to wallow in the dark. She needs to remain front, center and well lit so her fans can appreciate her the way they are entitled to.
Setlist:
When God-Fearin’ Women Get the Blues
Love’s the Only House
Wild Night (Van Morrison cover)
Suspicious Minds (Mark James cover)
If You Don’t Know Me By Now (Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes cover)
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (Aretha Franklin cover)
Safe in the Arms of Love (Gail Davies cover)
Blessed
Wild Angels
I’m Gonna Love You Through It
My Babe (Little Walter cover)
Perfect (P!nk cover)
Happy B-Day (sang to the backup singer -Patty and Mildred Hill cover)
In My Daughter’s Eyes
Little Bit of Rain (Fred Neil cover)
Anyway
Come See About Me (The Supremes cover)
In the Basement (Etta James cover)
Bring It on Home to Me (Sam Cooke cover)
Whatever You Say / Where Would You Be
A Broken Wing
What Becomes of the Brokenhearted (Jimmy Ruffin cover)
Encore:
Son of a Preacher Man (Dusty Springfield cover)
Baby What You Want Me to Do (Jimmy Reed cover)
This One’s for the Girls
Independence Day
We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Niagara Casino for the credentials to review the show.
