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 Shelby Lynne |
 Shelby Lynne |
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Review and photos by Frances Sealy Shelby Lynne has an undeniable charisma on stage that she had on full display in Tucson last week. The singer/songwriter pulls from the depths of her inner self to deliver lyrics that give the audience a sense of knowing her very well. Those fans that know of Lynne's music are aware of her personal tragedy of losing her parents as a teen, but she does not want to be defined by that. The show was an example of Lynne's amazing singing and song writing talent.Her performance was almost a solo performance except for some help from veteran guitarist, Ben Peeler. Peeler was once the lead guitarist for the Mavericks. He has supporting Lynne for several years. His finger-picking acoustic and lap guitar playing was extraordinary. He was a perfect fit for an otherwise solo show. The set had five songs from her Grammy Award winning album I Am Shelby Lynne. "Leavin'" was the opening song that immediately engaged the crowd. "Where I'm From" is an ode to her Alabama upbringing. "Black Light Blue" is as good of a blues song as any written. Lynne best described her songwriting during the set when she said, "I think I learned a long time ago that when I'm hurtin' and when I got to say something, I pick up the box (her guitar) and I let this do the talking." It was obvious that writing is her catharsis and it works. She grew up in a musical family and has written songs about her family. "Following You" is a song written about her ‘daddy' with a lyric "following you even though you don't know where your going" lingers long after she sings the song. "She Knows Where She Goes" was written for her mama. She announced, "This is dedicated to all the mamas. Lord knows we've all got one." Country singer Allison Moorer is her younger sister. "I made a record with my baby sister, Not Dark Yet. "I'll Hold Your Head" is a song I wrote about her because I missed her. We write about each other. When we hear the songs, we call and say, ‘Hey I heard that song you wrote about me.' The song is an intimate portrayal of their life as they grew up. There is still plenty of country spirit in her soul. Lynne's songs are gut-wrenching statements about her life. Blues is a major musical influence in her shows. Blessed with a voice that does not have to scream to deliver her message, intimacy is established early in the show and it does not let go until the last note of the last song. The experience was quietly devastating. It seems like you are eavesdropping on a very private conversation when she sings. |
| Set list: | |
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1. Leaving' 2. The Thief 3. Lookin' Up 4. Johnny Met June 5. Back Door Front Porch 6. Down Here 7. Following You 10. Bone on Bone |
8. Sold the Devil (Sunshine) 9. Where I'm From 10. Black Light Blue 11. She Knows Where She Goes 12. I'll Hold Your Head 13. Iced Tea |
 Shelby Lynne |
 Shelby Lynne |
 Shelby Lynne |
 Ben Peeler |
 Shelby Lynne |
 Shelby Lynne |
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