Wanda Jackson at the Sage Summertyne Americana Festival.Saturday July 21

Wanda Jackson (vocals); Simon ? (keys); Graham ? (drums); John? ( bass guitar); Derek? (guitar)
(Review by Ann Alex).

Wanda Jackson entertained us mightily, even though she was troubled by laryngitis on this final performance of her three week tour, which had covered such far flung places as Spain, Portugal and Holland.  Her warm personality and the interesting tales of her life were as good to hear as the

full-throated rock and roll that she performed.  Did you know that she had dated Elvis Presley, or that she became a born-again Christian in 1971?  Confessing that last fact takes some courage in this day and age.  Anyway, what about the music, you ask me?

Opening with Lieber and Stoller’s Riot in Cell Block Number 9, the songs and stories rolled out. Rock You Baby; Elvis classics such as Heartbreak Hotel and Shakin’ all Over;  the religious song I Saw The Light; a song with yodelling (I was so intrigued with the yodelling that I didn’t catch the title.)  There was a version of a song Where is my Wedding Ring, with alternate verses in country style and rock and roll style, to demonstrate the difference. We were treated to Wanda’s own song Mean Mean Man which was no mean song, and then we were brought up to date, with songs which were included on an album done in collaboration with Jack White of the White Stripes.  This included her version of Amy Winehouse’s I’m No Good.  Ms Jackson amusingly pointed out to us that the words had been amended as the original words were not ‘age-appropriate’, that is for a woman in her 70’s.  Some people were dancing in the aisle by this stage of the second set, which rounded off well with Let’s Have a Party and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On.

The band acquitted themselves really well, with one or two short solos in the rock and roll style, mostly from piano and guitar.  An enjoyable evening.

Ann Alex