LeAnn Rimes brings night of memories to Wolf Trap
By: Emily Cary
Special to the Examiner
July 9, 2009
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If you goLeAnn Rimes and her band with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Emil de Cou
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8:15 p.m. tonight
Info: $25 lawn, $38 to $48 in-house; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
It's hard to believe nearly two decades have passed since eight-year-old LeAnn Rimes appeared on TV's "Star Search." Although she was not a winner, that brief national exposure pegged her as a Patsy Cline sound-alike and propelled her into the limelight. All grown up and glamorous, the singer/songwriter/actress brings her band to Wolf Trap for an evening of memories backed by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Along with the hits that have driven her career, fans can look forward to a healthy serving of "Family," her latest recording of songs inspired by her life to date. The first of three planned albums focusing on personal growth shaped by people and circumstances, it incorporates down-home rhythms, memorable melodies and emotions ranging from sad and pensive to joyful.
The title song celebrates those dear to her, as do "Good Friends and a Glass of Wine" and "I Want You With Me." Rimes penned "Fight" and "Nothing Wrong" to tackle some of the demons that have bedeviled or sidetracked her along the way. Already the album has a winner in "Nothing Better To Do," the single that considers how she might have turned out had she remained in her native Mississippi. Its raucous, incessant beat carried it to nomination as the 2009 CMT Performance of the Year.
Daring and truthful, Rimes crafted lyrics to attack human frailty and the constant search for love in "Doesn't Everybody," "I Want You With Me," and "One Day Too Long." The final number, "What I Cannot Change" expresses her determination to learn, forgive and love, the philosophy that has sustained her through family estrangements and management disputes. As she journeys on this tour, she shares an emotional link with everyone who relates to the song's message.
Rimes has worked hard her entire life to become a superstar. Singing and dancing lessons from the time she could walk led to talent shows by five. The release of "Blue" in 1996 launched a rocket ride to stardom with Grammy Awards naming her the Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance; she also boasts Academy of Country Music awards for Top New Female Vocalist and Single of the Year.
For several years, she prevailed as Patsy Cline's incarnation until the temptation to experiment with crossover dimmed the fervor of many country fans. The return to her roots and release of her "Greatest Hits" in 2003 revived her following and marked the growth of her musicianship. Armed with a creative streak and a knack for composing, she moves ahead.
The Wolf Trap audience will hear songs that come from the heart and understand why the actress in her has forged a parallel career in film and television. In each endeavor, LeAnn Rimes is a star of the first magnitude.
