By Jon Bream
Wynonna Judd could fill the Metrodome with her voice and personality. On Friday, she filled Mystic Lake Casino's Showroom with her spirited singing, overwhelming spirit and quick humor.
She acknowledged that she'd had a good ride in country music and devoted the first segment of her 80-minute set to her solo hits, including "No One Else on Earth" and "Tell Me Why." She encored with a couple of Judds classics, 'Grandpa" and "Love Can Build a Bridge."
In between, the 45-year-old redhead turned on her humor and unleashed her voice on the kind of music she loves. She was a little bit country (the capacity crowd loved her version of Merle Haggard's "Are the Good Times Really Over") and a little bit rock 'n' roll (tearing it up on Elvis' "Burning Love"). She got jazzy on the finger-poppin "That's How Rhythm Was Born" and sassy bluesy on "Women Be Wise". She got all moody bluesy on Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" and gospelly pleading on Foreigner's goosebump-inducing "I Want To Know What Love Is."
Wy didn't introduce her small-sized band, save for her accompanist of 25 years Don Potter,or even plug her new CD ""Sing: Chapter 1," a collection of covers. She did talk about her life and life struggles ("I came on the road to take a break from raising teenagers; this is my play time"). She bantered with fans who shouted things at her and pulled a couple of youngsters onstage simply to pose for a photo with them.
Wynonna was in fine voice, showing a deep soulfulness and effortless versatility. The songs of struggle and determination smartly complemented her personality and her story. Who cares if she hasn't had a Top 10 hit for 13 years? She covered a full spectrum of emotions with grace, humor and conviction.
Opening was newcomer Jason Jones, who showed a high voice, cute dimples and an occasionally clever turn of a phrase.
