Miranda Lambert: "On Fire" In Alabama!

I will start out this blog by saying what a week last one was – from a professional level. As someone who grew up wanting to be a part of this business, I consider myself very blessed and very fortunate to be able to do what it is that I do. Whether it be covering a high school basketball game, or interviewing artists, I am blessed. The things that I have been able to do as of late I do not take for granted. While I have worked at it for years, I think there is a higher power at work.

Last Thursday, I had a chance, along with some other writers, to go to Huntsville, Alabama to see Miranda Lambert’s “On Fire” tour. I had seen Lambert’s show one time prior – in Pikeville, KY about four years ago with Blake. This was the first time I had seen her as a solo headliner. Her opening acts were Jerrod Niemann and Chris Young.

Jerrod is not your average Country performer. He’s a little quirky, a little left of center. But, that certainly works in his favor. His breakthrough hit from a couple of years ago, “Lover, Lover,” is one of the most infectious songs that has been on the airwaves in quite some time. The business is so hard to predict….but I think Niemann is positioning himself to be an act that will be around for the long haul.

Speaking of predictions, here’s one for you. Right now, Blake Shelton owns the Male Vocalist trophies on the various award shows. But, when his time is up – a couple of years away as the usual cycle goes, I have a good idea who might unseat him. Chris Young has built his career the slow and steady way – a la Chesney – and five number ones in a row later, the man owns the crowd. But, it’s not just airplay numbers or sales related. Have you actually listened to him sing? The guy has got it. Look for a move to the “A-List” very soon.

Then, there’s Miranda. Lambert is one artist that has many sides from an artistic standpoint. She can be a wild-child, but also sweetly sentimental. She showed all sides in concert. There was the bravado of songs like “Gunpowder and Lead,” the emotion of “Over You,” the out-and-out sensual nature of “Fine Tune” – which works so well in front of a crowd. Make that very well! But, the moment that sold me on Miranda Lambert was one that showed just how much emotions were still a part of the music.

Let me explain. You know that VH-1 show “The Best Week Ever?” Well, Lambert hasn’t been on it the past few weeks. Her father-in-law passed away a couple of weeks ago, then she received word that one of her oldest friends had died in a tragic accident. Add to that list that one of her beloved dogs died last week, and nobody would have blamed the singer if she had rescheduled the show.

As the saying goes, however, “the show must go on.” All of these emotions seemed to come to fruition when Lambert performed her career song (so far), “The House That Built Me.” A song that is so much about reflecting on one’s past, Lambert handled the first verse and part of the chorus as superbly as ever. Then, the emotions came to the forefront. Understandably so, she paused for a moment. What happened next was one of the most amazing concert experiences I have ever been a part of.

The audience at the Von Braun Center took the song over – singing Tom Douglas’s deeply moving lyrics back to the singer. Artists sometimes try to get the crowd to sing the lyrics of their songs back to them, and you can’t really tell what is going on. There was no mistake about it, as the audience was heard loud and clear.

Country Music is so often described as a genre that is “Real.” If that term is true, it didn’t get more “Real” than the other night. The bond between artist and fan was never more clear to this observer. Lambert finished the show with her usual aplomb, but to me, that “Crazy Ex-Girfriend” who you might not trust with a can of “Kerosene,” showed her true hand as an artist. It was one of the best concerts I have ever seen.

People in this industry talk about the term “the next level.” I think I mentioned that earlier myself. But, make no mistake about it, Lambert is there. I have a feeling that the “On Fire” tour might put her name on the nominations list for Entertainer of the Year in 2012 – or at least it should. After Thursday night, I can’t imagine anyone doing it any better!