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Concert Review:  Ritz Theater

Talladega, AL - Aprill 22, 2006

Rockin' at the Ritz

The Ritz Theater is a treasure tucked away in a rural area of middle Alabama.  These types of venues are my favorite:  the people are friendly, the sound is good, the setting is more intimate and in this case the countryside is beautiful.

Tanya's band warmed up the audience for both shows.  Normally the crowd isn't particularly appreciative of Tanya's band opening, but that would not be the case on this night.  The band had the crowd clapping and singing, especially for the second show.  I have to say, I have never seen Porter, the lead guitar, looking and sounding better.  Be sure and check out the concert photos.

The set list was a little different for both shows, but still had the usual numbers with the addition of "Ridin' Rainbows".  Jerry Laseter did a really good job of playing lead guitar on this song and Tanya sang it to perfection - amazing.

The crowd was older and quieter during the first show, but Tanya got the crowd rockin' during the second:  she started out with 'Some Kind of Trouble' and ramped it up with 'I'll Come Back As Another Woman'.

As always, Tanya dedicated 'Two Sparrows in a Hurricane' to her parents and the parents in the crowd.  She said her mom and dad have their good days and bad.  It was obvious they were on her mind as she sang the song from her heart.

Tanya talked quite a bit about the latest cd and introduced Jerry to the crowd and acknowledged his and Jay Weaver's (bass player) contribution to the project.  She also talked about performing more songs from the cd in concert.  Tanya said the cd is her 39th or 40th cd and even tho that is a very cool thing, it doesn't exactly compare with George Jones and his 250 plus albums -- she said kinda brings new meaning to the phrase keeping up with the Jones'.

Tanya also thanked the venue for their friendliness as well as the accommodations at the B & B where she and the band stayed.  She noted what a close-knit community Talladega is and how everybody probably knows everybody else's business and broke into "Who's Cheatin' Who" and got a big laugh out of the crowd.

Tanya introduced Presley during the second show.  The two of them laughed about Presley reading some old tabloid articles that Tanya joked had to be some misquotes.  Presley did a wonderful job singing "Whenever You Come Around" backed up by Jerry Laseter on guitar and vocals. 

When Tanya sings 'Delta Dawn' with four talented guys backing her up, it just doesn't get any better.  Tonight, Presley and Layla came out and added two more voices to Tanya's signature song.

As I was walking out, I heard two ladies say, "Tanya sounds just as good as ever - she hasn't lost a thing."  Yep, after thirty years, Miss T is better than ever.

Dee M.

Ritz Theater Concert Photos

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