The atmosphere of a Wanda Jackson concert is absolutely electric. Wanda Jackson, the Queen of Rockabilly, is a tiny woman with a commanding and gracious presence, and a voice that sounds as robust and rockin' as it did when she debuted in 1954. The Tractor Tavern was packed with adoring fans spanning all generations and genres, and those fans were ready to show their appreciation to Wanda. The opening acts were also excellent. Petunia & the Vipers, the first band to open, had a fantastic old school honky tonk sound. At first it sounded like a recording, the sound was so crisp and clear, the music flawless. Give credit to the sound-man and the band itself. When I realized it was the actual band performing, I was blown away by the quality of the music.
Following Petunia & the Vipers was the Marshall Scott Warner Band. Marshall Scott Warner is a staple of the Northwest Rockabilly scene and has contributed his talents to many local and non-local musical acts, ranging from Country & Western Swing through rock and R&B. The band's five members worked flawlessly together to produce a tight, authentic, and original set of rockabilly music that makes their fans come back for more every time.
By the time Marshall Scott Warner finished, the crowd in the Tractor had become a crush of people trying to surge forward for the main event. The Tractor was packed, and the anticipation of the fans for Wanda Jackson was vocal and loud. As Wanda Jackson took the stage the crowd roared with adoration. At the age of 72, one would think that Wanda would be frail and perhaps have a faltering voice. Not so for this performer. Wanda, ever gracious, welcomed the fans and then proceeded to belt out "Mean, Mean Man" in a voice that is anything but frail or faltering. Wanda has a distinct, gravelly twang that roars through the rock songs like a chainsaw, yet can be as soft as a kitten on her ballads. Wanda Jackson's backing band, with Marshall Scott Warner sitting in on drums, is tight and skilled. Between songs, Wanda delighted her audience with anecdotes of her life, fond memories of her relationship with Elvis Presley, and her climb through the music business. Wanda Jackson's energy on stage is mesmerizing and her appreciation to her fans is noteworthy. Wanda loves to engage her fans and will frequently start a small conversation with one of her devotees, much to the delight of her audience.
At the end of each song, the sound of the crowd was deafening, but when she sang her classic hit "Fujiyama Mama," the whole place went off like a roman candle. Another popular classic, "Funnel of Love," followed and was met with the same overwhelming response. The crowd was dancing and singing along at the tops of their collective lungs throughout the set, and at the end of the performance showed their appreciation enthusiastically and chaotically by crushing into a mass eager to meet the living legend and get an autograph or a photograph with their heroine. Wanda Jackson is a must-see performer. She brings not only her amazing voice and stage presence but a piece of history and memories of days gone by. She puts on a show filled with heart, talent, and amazing energy, truly a consummate performer and more than worthy of her recent 2009 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Fans of Wanda Jackson will be pleased to know that she is currently recording a new album with Jack White of the White Stripes producing.
