Dolly Parton @ LG Arena, 2nd September 2011
Exploding onto the stage, playing a white violin and wearing a dress that sparkles beyond compare, Dolly Parton has the energy of a twenty year old and the desire to entertain. Launching into Walking On Sunshine, this petite lady covers the width of the stage with effortless ease, drawing every one of the audience into her unique bubble of Dolly world and that is one joyous place to be.
Supported by a tight backing band and barely taking a breath, she bursts into Baby, I’m Burnin’ whilst shimmering and shaking across the stage with a beaming smile. The initial upbeat pace of the show slows down whilst Dolly dons a guitar and unleashes the beautifully dark Jolene, which catches me unawares so early in the set, but its magnificence draws a tear to my eye and reiterates the status of the performer in front of us.
At this point, Parton tells some stories about her humble beginnings with a sweetness that is so endearing supplemented by her infamous and contagious laugh. Putting on yet another instrument sees Dolly put on a banjo and play some bluegrass in the form of Rocky Top and Mule Skinner Blues with the brief yet obligatory dueling banjos, finishing with a cheeky comment that the heaviness of the banjo is how she works out her chest. The set proceeds into a trio of cover versions, consisting of The Beatles’ Help!, Stairway to Heaven and a surprising choice of Collective Soul’s Shine, all of which receive the Dolly treatment, sensitively making the songs part of her show.
The next segment of the performance sees Dolly alone on the stage reminiscing about her upbringing and familial relationships, intertwined with songs such as Precious Memories and Coat of Many Colors that she dedicates to all the Mommas in the audience. During these songs, Parton demonstrates fully her vocal range and strength, that does not appear to have waned with age, whilst playing a further selection of instruments including a dulcimer and pipe. This reflective period is brought to a swift end when Dolly straps on a saxophone and dances her way into her version of Dusty Springfield’s Son of a Preacher Man. To draw the first part of her set to a close, Parton plays a selection of tracks from her new album Better Day as well as a medley from her new film, Joyful Noise. The movie features Queen Latifah which inspires Dolly to turn her hand to rapping, knowing full well this field is not her musical strength yet Parton just has great fun with the whole escapade, leaving her audience in fits of laughter.
After a brief intermission, Dolly returns to the stage in a different outfit, which is possibly more sparkly than the first, and launches full pelt into White Limozeen. Frustratingly, many of the audience seem to remain seated but that is not to say they were not enthusiastic with their appreciation and love for Ms Parton. However, as the set continues the level of audience participation increases and any heckling is responded to in a courteous and often comedic manner.
The pace slows down with The Sacrifice, which is dedicated to all the Daddies, and the beautiful yet somber Little Sparrow, a song that clearly holds a deep seeded sentiment with the performer. The final songs of the night see a more uplifting mood upon the LG Arena, starting with Ike and Tina’s River Deep — Mountain High that sees Dolly Parton shake and jive like a teenager who has taken the stage for the first time. What can I say about Here You Come Again, Islands in the Stream and 9 to 5?
Each one a classic in its own right and each one performed to perfection, consolidating this little lady as one of music’s true megastars. Despite her standing, she unassumingly announces her band giving each and every member credit and respect. A brief exit from the stage, sees Parton return to play I Will Always Love You, wiping the floor with Whitney Houston’s pitiful attempt and then all to soon, Dolly Parton leaves the stage to a well deserved standing ovation, blonde hair and rhinestones a-shining.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Dolly Parton is a true legend and her performance clearly shows why she holds that status. Not only does she write fantastic country records that have stood the test of time, play a vast selection of instruments, sing like a dream, have a witty sense of humour, dance like a nineteen year old, bring an immense energy to the stage which is unmatched, she is just so loveable and all of his at an age when most people would be considering taking it easy. Dolly Parton, you firecracker! I feel very privileged to have witnessed such a performance and I truly hope that I get the opportunity to see her again.
Review – Toni Woodward
Photos – Steve Gerrard