Reviewed by Dave Brassington Now in her mid 70s, Wanda has been recording since the early '50s. Starting out as a vivacious beauty singing straight '50s country material with plenty of steel guitar and fiddle, the rumblings of the rock and roll revolution in the late '50s, led her to try her hand in this new genre, and she became legendary with her recording of "Let's Have A Party" which gave her a major hit, on both sides of the Atlantic as well as being, in my opinion, the BEST rock 'n' roll recording ever by a female artist! However Wanda was soon to revert back to mainstream country, before (in the '70s) she underwent a Christian conversion. For many years following she concentrated on recording gospel albums mainly for the Word label. In her later years Wanda has returned to some touring and recording for those of us, who remember her fondly. For this brand new album, we have a nice mix of all genres. Amazingly Wanda's voice still sounds great. Produced by Justin Townes Earle (son of the legendary Steve), he has got just the right backing balance, if it's rocky - plenty of "hot" guitar and if it's country - some nice steel accompaniment. It opens with the rockabilly "Tore Down" and closes with the very country "California Stars". Gospel is present with "Two Hands", a gem from the late Townes Van Zandt. As someone who has recorded some of the finest country and gospel classics, all I can say is welcome back to the wonderful Wanda Jackson!
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date. Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.
|