THE BAND PERRY PLAYS BRANDT CENTRE.
has earned its headliner status
The Band Perry didn’t allow a lack of quantity to affect its quality Saturday. Bringing its We Are Pioneers tour to the Brandt Centre, The Band Perry delivered a raucous and entertaining show despite a disappointing crowd. The seventh of 11 dates in Canada, it was rather surprising that the Regina show didn’t have a fuller house — the upper decks of the Brandt Centre had large pockets of empty seats.
Having said that, those who did attend Saturday’s show were treated to a delightful set lasting 80 minutes and featuring 17 songs. With four shows remaining on the Canadian leg of the tour, Kimberly Perry spoke of excitement of being headliners.
“This is Week 2 of our first headlining tour and you guys are helping us make family history here tonight,” said Perry.
She also pulled back the curtain a bit and chatted about the music she makes with her brothers Reid and Neil.
“Making music for us is two parts therapy, one part recess,” said Kimberly. “We’ve had a bit of tough week so it definitely will be two parts therapy, one part recess tonight.”
It may be The Band Perry but it’s Kimberly who owns the stage. While Neil and Reid are integral parts of the band, it’s Kimberly’s energy and passion for the music that leaves fans unable to take their eyes off of her.
And as much as her good looks draw legions of male fans to the band, it’s her incredible voice that allows The Band Perry to separate itself from the pack.
Kimberly’s voice is strong with great range. It is definitely one of the best voices in country music today.
Neil and Reid are no slouches either when it comes to their vocals. In fact, when the three siblings combine for harmonies, the result is simply stunning. Whether it’s from genetics, a lot of practice or a combination of both, the harmonies were breathtaking.
A perfect example was a rendition of Amazing Grace that was beautiful and awe inspiring. It was the case of a classic song receiving the royal treatment.
The band is somewhat familiar with the area having played two shows at the Brandt Centre with Keith Urban in 2011 and performing at the Craven Country Jamboree in 2012. Having developed a strong following with a catalogue of hits like If I Die Young, You Lie, Better Dig Two and All Your Life, The Band Perry is now taking its biggest step with Pioneer, its followup to its self-titled debut album.
Kimberly also spoke of the motivation behind Pioneer, the title track of the album.
“It’s about being proud of yourself, proud of your work and proud of your country,” said Kimberly.
Before starting the song, the fiddle player began playing O Canada while Neil took a Canadian flag to centre stage for the anthem. Not surprisingly, the crowd sang the anthem loudly and proudly.
Easton Corbin and Lindsay Ell opened the show and each brought something special to the evening.
For Corbin, it was his love of country music. In addition to singing his own No. 1 hits (A Little More Country Than That and Roll With It), he also shared his love of modern country music with a number of covers — Alan Jackson’s Where I Come From, George Strait’s Check Yes Or No, Brooks and Dunn’s I’m A Brand New Man and Alabama’s If You’re Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have A Fiddle In The Band).
Ell, who is a bit of an unknown quantity, delivered some amazing guitar licks — that’s not surprising given the fact she’s toured with blues guitarist Buddy Guy. She also displayed an impressive voice.