One of my favorite country acts is Little Big Town but the band was anything but “little” when they played the intimate Fallsview Casino for a two night stay. What I mean by that is their sound and harmonies are as big as any group in any music circuit. The group consists of Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook and the sounds they make are like no other. They each take turns at lead vocals and all share the limelight throughout the show. The sum of its parts truly makes this group the powerhouse that it is.
Sweet handled lead vocals on “Bring It on Home” and the Oak Ridge Boys classic “Elvira.” The band took an interesting and unique approach to this song. It sounded nothing like the original and Little Big Town truly made it their own. Schlapman has a bubbly personality that really endeared the crowd. She talked about how she couldn’t believe that everyone who lived in this area got to see such an amazing treasure on a daily basis. She was in love with her room and the sightlines and said it was the best since she has been touring. Fairchild was talking about a push present (about after someone gives birth) and it turned into a dialogue that went a little bit sideways. She was able rear it back in with help from her bandmates and get back into the music.
“Front Porch Thing” was equally handled by the entire band and a highlight of the evening. Fairchild and Westbrook handled the vocals on “Your Side of the Bed” as Schlapman and Westbrook handled guitar duties. It should be noted that Little Big Town also has an incredible three piece backing band, letting LBT come out and shine like they do.
The cover tunes of the evening were both simply amazing. I already mentioned one, but the band also tackled Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” Besides the opening track “Little White Church,” this song also shows what the band is all about. The harmonies and the fluidity between the band members are simply breathtaking.
LBT is currently working on new material for a release later this year. I, for one, can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeves. In the meantime, this a must see show of the summer if or when they come to your little big town!
Setlist:
Little White Church
On Fire Tonight
Bring It on Home
Pavement Ends
Bones
Sober
A Little More You
Front Porch Thing
I’m With the Band
Leavin’ In Your Eyes
Your Side Of The Bed
The Chain (Fleetwood Mac cover)
Can’t Go Back
Elvira (The Oak Ridge Boys cover)
Good As Gone
Pontoon
Tornado
Boondocks
We would like to thank Jennifer Murphy from the Fallsview Casino for the credentials to review the show.
