Sherry Anne: Blog

THE BOYS ARE BACK--the title of the latest project from The Oak Ridge Boys captures it all...
"like four strong winds blowing through a ramshackle shack, " the lyrics say and that's exactly how the boys started the show--they filed in one after the other and took their respective quartet positions on stage (Richard, William, Duane and Joe). It wasn't long, though, before Joe was hopping all over the stage igniting the audience and swinging the microphone stand around like a ragdoll--with enough energy to make this 'young' observer tired and out of breath! Not to mention, the powerhouse lyrics were also just as breathtaking...songs like "Hold You In My Arms," "Mama's Table" and "Beautiful Bluebird" journeyed us upward and onward from yesteryear ahead to our bright future. The audience was then lulled to a grateful heart by William's, "Thank God For Kids." But, Richard was not about to let the audience relax for long--for those who remember the earlier hits of the Oaks ("Elvira" and "Bobbie Sue"), you will be shaking and tapping to "Boom Boom"--with its blues/jazz/pop infusion and similar haunting base lines...Speaking of haunting, "Seven Nation Army," is entirely captivating with its impending rock melodic riff and current with today's mainstream audiences --the boys pulled this song off with both hands tied behind their backs--experiencing this song in the flesh is worth the price of the ticket alone. Warning: you will not be able to get the base line out of your head...ever!

On this particular day, the fair was honoring Veterans and the Boys were sensitive to honor our greatest heroes by singing two songs on their behalf, erupting the audience into one of the handful of standing ovations they received throughout the night. Of course, the night would not have been complete without a jammin' guitar (and banjo) ensemble and other moments showcasing the talented musicians and crew. I think the greatest moment for me was hearing "Elvira" and "Bobbie Sue" from the left corner of the stage platform and watching the audience erupt into smiles, applause and old memories as we all probably remember exactly where we where the first time we heard those megahits...oom pah pah oom pah pah oom pah pah mau mau...

Oh yeah, the boys are DEFINITELY back... and here to stay. Before this tour is over, get to a concert near you. I enjoyed every minute of watching this great American musical heritage onstage. Don't forget to get the Cd too...it is so well crafted and each song was meticulously chosen to feature the artist's abilities. I think it is probably their best project to date. If nothing else, it will probably "...Ease Your Troublin' Mind" until we all go to "Live with Jesus" (two of my favorite songs on the CD).

Thanks Boys!!!

The Lord bless and keep you,
Sherry Anne