Admittedly, I’ve really never been a huge fan of traditional country music. However, because of my love for contemporary country music, I’ve learned to appreciate the older, traditional country music. I think if my dad was still alive, he’d probably be shocked to hear me say that since I begged him on many family roadtrips as a kid to “turn that twangy stuff off”! That’s why I surprise even myself that I have become a fan of Mandy Barnett.
Mandy Barnett is definitely an artist who is steeped in tradition and a country music purist. She likes to perform the country classics and is best known for her performances in the starring role of musical legend, Patsy Cline, in ‘Always…Patsy Cline‘.
On Saturday, January 7th, I was able to attend her show at 3rd and Lindsley (one of my favorite local places around town to hear live music). Luckily, I got there almost 2 hours before showtime because the place was already halfway full and parking scarce. An hour prior to the performance and it was packed to capacity! Wow, she draws a crowd, but I had a feeling that might be the case and why I arrived just after the doors first opened.
Mandy was due to start performing at 730pm. I figured since this was Nashville, that probably meant she would take the stage around 8pm. It’s just not uncommon for shows to start late. I don’t know if it’s to build anticipation or what, but to be honest, it’s kind of annoying when artists make you wait for their performance. Just par for the course, though, it seems and you just get used to it. However, I was pleasantly surprised when Mandy took the stage at exactly 730pm! No pretenses, no delay…it was NICE and very much appreciated!
From the moment that Mandy Barnett takes the stage, she commands it and captures the crowd’s attention. There are no antics, no pretenses, no background singers (she doesn’t need them)…only what seems to be a pure and honest love for performing. Her set is filled with classics from Patsy Cline to Roy Orbison. Her vocals are flawless. She has both control and power. A true world-class vocalist that is a rare and exceptional talent. Her delivery of each song leaves you lingering on each note, feeling the emotional depth, and wanting to hear more.
My favorite song of the night was “Crazy”–the Patsy Cline classic that Mandy performs flawlessly. Truly, no one else out there is going to be able to come close to Mandy’s version of this song. She’s honed her craft and delivery of this song for years on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium while standing in the very same circle that Patsy Cline herself sung so many years ago.
Mandy Barnett is a class act and a rare talent. More people should know of her and experience her live.
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