Jack White gives Queen Of Rockabilly a second life.
“An atomic bomb in lipstick” (Bob Dylan)
In the 50's she was still politely refused a record deal. Capitol Records (with whom she would later sign after all) argued, strongly convinced:“Girls don't sell records”. Luckily, time always reveals the truth. In the meantime Wanda Jackson goes through life as Queen Of Rockabilly, she has been noted in history books as the first woman to record a rock 'n' roll single (‘Let’s Have A Party’ in ’58) and in the 50's she regularly shared a stage (and even a bed) with Elvis. The latter was for that matter the one to encourage her to sing rockabilly in the first place. As fan, Jack White (Stripes) came up with the plan to invite her to his Third Man Studio in Nashville and surround her with ‘young’ musicians. Think: The Raconteurs, dear wife Karen Elson and members of My Morning Jacket. The result: the album ‘The Party Ain’t Over’ that was released earlier this year and on which time seems to have had no effect on Jackson’s raw and vigorous voice. She even leaves Amy Winehouse in the dust with her version of ‘You Know that I’m no Good’. Humo about that “an effervescent, uncommonly danceable CD” and the BBC too: “This is a rich, warm, big-hearted and hilarious album.” By the way, Wanda Jackson – born in ’37 – will be 74 in October this year. It's a great honour to be able to celebrate that with her.
Backing band for the Wanda Jackson concert will be Belgian band The Seatsniffers, no less! It's not the first time that this classy act has served as backing band for The Queen Of Rockabilly, which immediately implies that Wanda Jackson feels at ease in the company of these gentlemen. Even better news: Wanda Jackson trusts their abilities so much that she'll be taking the band on tour with her throughout Europe. Respect!