May 14, 2008

The Ozark Mountain Morning Show - Swingin’ Cajun Style is new for 2008 at the God & Country Theatre.  Wade Benson Landry is not only a Branson Fiddle Player of the Year winner (and Louisiana fiddle champion at age 15, and again at 17), he is a well-versed, all around terrific entertainer.  With his experience gained while working with some of the greatest names in the business, Jimmy C. Newman, Mel Tillis and many, many others, Wade has acquired a keen insight as to what the audience likes and wants to see in a show.  The Ozark Mountain Morning Show incorporates Wade’s insight and offers excellent classic country, like, “Invitation to the Blues,” “Leavin’ and Saying Goodbye,” “I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name,” etc.  These songs aren’t just sung; you also get some background on the music presented.  This is especially helpful when Wade gets into the Cajun segment.  When you hear his stories that go along with the music, you get a greater appreciation for writer, the original artist, and Wade’s live presentation, not to mention his hilarious discussion of a number of Cajun characters.  Wade’s nephew, Adam Guidry who plays drums, has taken up the squeezebox accordion to add to the authentic flavor of the Cajun segment.  You’ve got to see how they handle the drums while Adam plays the squeezebox.  Wade has an imagination and you’ll see it on display in his show.  I’ve seen things in this show that I’ve never seen anywhere else - and they’re good!

I like Cajun music but wasn’t sure about sitting in a comfortable theater seat through a full 2-hour show.  It’s hard to sit and listen to Cajun music; you almost have to get up and start dancing in the aisle (not that Wade would mind).  The show has an excellent blend of classic country, Cajun, big band, comedy, and even the Mardi Gras atmosphere, beads and all.  This is one of the most fun shows in town.  There is plenty of interaction with the audience and a lot of comedy. 

Splinter Middleton is well respected for his rich voice that makes him a natural for classic country.  He is also a good songwriter as you’ll find out when you hear him do, “Buckle Shines.”  My latest surprise was hearing Splinter sing, “Waltz Across Texas” in the voices of Merle Haggard, Ernest Tubb, and Willie Nelson.  Others around town can do Willie Nelson but none do it so naturally as Splinter.  No gimmicks, no holding the nose, just a true sound and off-beat phrasing that Willie is known for.  His Haggard and Tubb are great too.

Phil Coontz plays bass guitar in this show and plays a unique character that shows through to become the butt of a few jokes from Wade.  Phil is an excellent bass player as well as steel guitar.

20-year old Tyler Hall from Alabama and prodigy of the legendary Terry Bethel, plays pedal steel guitar.  Tyler also plays electric guitar but not in this show.  He is a very talented young musician.

If you want a morning filled with fun, come out and see Wade and the gang having fun on stage and with the audience.  You’ll be glad you did.

Bob Cort, Editor

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Bob Cort, Editor