Review of Billy's show in Nashville

Livia · #1 04-20-2006, 09:08 PM

http://www.nashvillescene.com/Storie...in/index.shtml

Memphis in Manhattan in Nashville

Plastic eggshells with raffle tickets buried inside were the Easter-themed currency at last Sunday’s Billy Burnette show at 3rd & Lindsley. While rockabilly stylist Burnette provided a fascinating character study in rock star poise, the real clucker was watching Music Row moguls juggle the plastic goodies in one hand while pecking away on their Blackberries with the other. Burnette, a onetime member of Fleetwood Mac who also toured as a backing guitarist with Bob Dylan for 2001’s Love and Theft, packed enough biz veterans in the club to warrant the repositioning of Music Row, if only for one night. Pitchfork darling and opening act Nicolai Dunger was missing in action, but wattage from Burnette’s frequent songwriting collaborators Shawn Camp and Bekka Bramlett more than made up for the Swedish rocker’s absence. Bramlett accompanied her former Fleetwood Mac bandmate for much of his set, flailing away with her tambourine like a madwoman possessed. But it was Burnette himself, playing in support of his live album Memphis in Manhattan, who really made the show tick. Flanked by guitarist Jedd Hughes, Burnette’s end-of-show barnburner “Tear It Up” produced a rousing standing ovation. Elvis may have been king, but as audience reaction showed, Burnette can certainly hold his own.

foxyluva · #2 04-21-2006, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Livia

Bramlett accompanied her former Fleetwood Mac bandmate for much of his set, flailing away with her tambourine like a madwoman possessed.

And people say that Bekka was not a Stevie Nicks replacement

Miss Vicky · #3 04-21-2006, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxyluva

And people say that Bekka was not a Stevie Nicks replacement

She isn't.

The main difference between the two being, of course, that Bekka can actually sing.

chiliD · #4 04-21-2006, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Vicky

She isn't.

The main difference between the two being, of course, that Bekka can actually sing.

AND, play tambourine.

HomerMcvie · #5 04-21-2006, 11:32 AM

Gawd I love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!

David · #6 04-21-2006, 01:57 PM

Billy has such a winning personality--so self-effacing & gracious--that I'm glad to see he's still out there rockin'.

He was probably the funniest member ever of Fleetwood Mac (several of the others have been periodically funny to varying degrees but Billy is by far the quickest with a quip).

I love his song "The Bigger the Love, the Harder the Fall." Is anyone able to YouTube the video from the Graham Nash show where Mick & Billy & Co. performed that? I vaguely remember Sharon Celani singing backup, too.

foxyluva · #7 04-21-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Vicky

She isn't.

The main difference between the two being, of course, that Bekka can actually sing.

Your kidding right?

Im not even going to go there

p.s. Im halfway through listening to that Billy record!

HomerMcvie · #8 04-21-2006, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxyluva

Your kidding right?

Gawd, I hope not!!!!

Johnny Stew · #9 04-21-2006, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxyluva

Your kidding right?

Im not even going to go there

It's ok, Foxy. No matter what anyone says, just remember that Bekka's still a backup singer.

Thanks for posting the review, Livia.

foxyluva · #10 04-21-2006, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

It's ok, Foxy. No matter what anyone says, just remember that Bekka's still a backup singer.

Well aint that the truth

SteveMacD · #11 04-21-2006, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

It's ok, Foxy. No matter what anyone says, just remember that Bekka's still a backup singer.

Just a backup singer? Sharon is JUST a backup singer. Bekka writes songs for albums that sell in the millions. Bekka tours with acts that do things like sell out arenas in major cities. (The last time Sharon was on a tour like that was the short SYW tour.) I think it's a safe bet to say that Bekka is having THE most successful career today of any of the ex-Mac.

Honestly, I don't think Bekka wants to be the headline artist. She's reportedly turned down a few very lucrative deals. I don't think she has any interest in having the superstardom that Stevie has. Bekka makes a buttload of cash singing in stadiums, but isn't so popular that she couldn't enjoy a night out without being hassled by people (other than the ultra die-hards like a few of us on here) wanting an autograph.

Bekka has considerably more range and volume than Stevie ever had. But, Stevie is the singer/songwriter, and a personality. Her vocal range is pretty limited, especially compared to her bandmates, and she didn't have the lion's share of hits, but her voice is almost instantly recognizable and her image, though simple, is larger than life. She's the Grace Slick of Fleetwood Mac.

So, who's the better singer? It's a matter of preference, or as I like to say, Christine McVie. But, there's ABSOLUTELY no disputing the fact that Bekka Bramlett SMOKES Stevie Nicks as a tambourine player.