First off, poor Wanda wasn't in fine voice last night at the Bowery Ballroom, fighting a very very sore throat that limited her in Boston Wednesday night. In between songs while she spun amazing stories of her life and career in music she'd be throwing back cough drops. She was a real trooper. Ms. Jackson waved off a couple songs on the set list she knew she couldn't possibly reach with her sore throat but did manage to growl through some of her classics like 'Fujiyama Mama', 'Riot in Cell Block #9', 'Funnel of Love' and a great cover of Eddie Cochran's 'Shakin All Over'. On 'Shakin' All Over' Wanda showed that while her throat may have been sore there was nothing wrong with her stage moves.
A wonderful night for Johnny to get to see such an American legend. It really wouldn't have mattered to Johnny if she'd just have read the words to the songs, she's that fantastic.
Warning -- crappy cell phone picture, put on your special goggles at once.
Now, if the fancy strikes you, Neko Case is playing a short set at the Barnes and Noble on Union Square tonight starting at 7 pm. Neko will be there along with comedian, writer and actor Michael Showalter. Neko will play three songs and then the both of them will answer some questions. Johnny would be all over this but for one thing tonight. Tonight he gets to cross off a bucket list concert which now pretty much narrows the list of artists he wanted to see but never did to the Sex Pistols. Johnny is going to the Bowery Ballroom to be part of a sold out crowd where the American legend known as Wanda Jackson will be ripping it up. Wanda Jackson is one of the rare artists who has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. We're talking about a music giant here people.
If you have not checked out Wanda's latest work, The Party Ain't Over, with The White Stripes Jack White (Yeah Detroit!) what are you waiting for buckos and buckettes? It's a must.
To get your morning off on the right foot here's Wanda Jackson and Jack White with her classic 'Funnel of Love'.
