The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tanya Tucker: ‘ Live From the Troubadour’
( Fantasy ( 3 1/ 2 stars)
Last year, Tan ya Tucker released her first album of new material in 17 years. With acclaimed singer- songwriter Brandi Carlile having a hand in most of the songs and Shooter Jennings producing, “While I’m Livin’” was one of the best records of 2019 and of Tucker’s once- tumultuous career. It found the country star digging deeper than ever as she balanced echoes of her hell- raising past with reflections on her own mortality.
“Live From the Troubadour,” recorded in Los Angeles with Tucker supported by a full band and backup singers, again finds her in top form on a set that ranges from her teen- sensation days of the ‘ 70s to six selections from “While I’m Livin’.”
Ballads such as “Would You Lay With Me( in a Field of Stone),” “The Wheels of Laredo” and “Bring My Flowers Now” highlight Tucker’s tender and vulnerable side, her raspy drawl adding weathered character to her performances. Same for her inspired medley of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”
Speaking of fire, Tucker brings plenty of it to country- rockers such as “Hard Time” and “It’s a Little Too Late,’ the pungent country kiss- off “I Don’t Owe You Anything” and the 100- proof honky- tonker “Texas ( When I Die),” swaggering through them with palpable delight.
To finish, Tucker goes back to the start of her career for a rousing rendition of “Delta Dawn” ( with an “Amazing Grace” intro). It drives home the point that Tucker still has plenty to give.