| Concert Review: Dwight Yoakam | |
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Reviewed by Kathy Coleman
State Fairs, Honky Tonks, and Rodeos: Dwight Yoakam's 2002 Tour
Dwight Yoakam is as clever at naming his tours as he is when writing his songs. In 2002, in
between dates with the "Brooks & Dunn Neon Circus and Wild West Show," Dwight embarked
on several "side shows," and continued with his solo tour after Brooks & Dunn packed it in and
went home.
On September 5, 2002, Dwight shuffled onto the rotating circular stage of Phoenix's Celebrity Theatre to perform his brand of hard-rockin' Bakersfield Honky-Tonk, as only Dwight Yoakam can.
He started out strong with "What Do You Know About Love" and from there went on non-stop great country music. When Dwight comes out to perform, that is what he does, and he gives his all. He whipped through several songs, "I Want You To Want Me," "Guitars, Cadillacs," "Little Sister," and "Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose" even before greeting the audience. He was in good voice and the band was, as always, spot-on, although Dwight himself seemed to be a little dissatisfied with the sound quality and frequently drew back to tilt his ear-for-perfection at the amplifiers, shake his head, or make comments to the band. While usually these sort of asides are missed by the audience, when there's an audience for the full 360 degrees, some of Dwight's irritation was quite clear to some of us! Still, from my vantage point, it sounded great.
After playing "A Promise You Can't Keep," a gem from his most recent studio album, Dwight surprised us with a brand-new song, "Louisville," a song featured on the new box set release, Reprise Please Baby.
Dwight combined many old favorites and some new classics for a full hour and a half, pausing only briefly between songs to thank Phoenix for having him back, thank the audience, and introduce his band (the elegant and incomparable Scott Joss on fiddle, mandolin, and backup vocals; Gary Morse, my favorite pedal steel guitar player, also taking a hand on guitar and banjo; easygoing, effortlessly talented Skip Edwards on keyboards, piano, and accordion; classy Bob Glaub on bass; newcomer Shawn Nourse keeping bang-up time on drums; and of course, the brilliant Pete Anderson on lead guitar (occasionally taking up a mandolin for the mountain songs). Dwight packed 27 songs (without a single "medley" of hits) into his set,
giving the audience more than their money's worth.
Dwight Yoakam never compromises a moment on his music or his performance, and never fails to deliver. Dwight Yoakam gives a show that is absolutely not to be missed if you get a chance to see him.
Set List:
Sound clips courtesy of Barnes & Noble.
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