Dolly Parton - Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff - June 24 2014 (Live Review)
Wednesday, 25 June 2014
Written by Huw Baines
Anyone who’s ever picked their way through the gleeful wreckage of a Saturday night out in Cardiff can tell you this is a city that enjoys a pink cowboy hat. And, judging by tonight’s evidence, Dolly Parton is either Nashville’s answer to the Pied Piper or the newly queen of St Mary Street.
Hundreds of boa-fringed hats are stacked in cages outside the front doors of the Motorpoint Arena by a couple of opportunistic traders, who are in place by the time a sold out crowd begins to filter through the doors for the first of two nights at the venue.
Parton is taking her Blue Smoke tour to Glastonbury this weekend, following a couple of shows at London’s O2 Arena, and there’s little doubt that her blend of ‘aw, shucks’ charm and well-honed glitz will provide a neat Sunday afternoon interlude at Worthy Farm.
Parton is a die-hard entertainer, something that sets her apart from many of her generation still on the road. While so many artists turn inward, playing for themselves to keep the spark alive, she’s happy to chuck on the rhinestones and play the hits.
Whether spinning yarns about her youth, cracking wise about her botox and wig or describing her victory over the bank teller who inspired Jolene - her finest hour - she’s genuine and knowing, if well rehearsed. This is a show in the old-fashioned sense, where glamour and stage craft trump spontaneity.
Her moves are all delivered with a wink and a smile, creating an atmosphere of intimacy often absent from modern, functional venues, while her musical chops have not diminished. Her vocals are pin-sharp and crystal clear, notably on Little Sparrow, Banks Of The Ohio and My Mountains, My Home, while her constant switching between guitar, penny whistle and autoharp is both impressive and, eventually, rather funny.
Parton’s commitment to good, clean fun also sweeps along its fair share of classic songs and the closing salvo of 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You is one that few bands could top in terms of cultural significance. Pink cowboy hats and all, it’s fair to say that she’s not only adored by many, but still relevant.
Dolly Parton Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed June 25 2014 - CARDIFF Motorpoint Arena
Fri June 27 2014 - LONDON O2 Arena
Sat June 28 2014 - LONDON O2 Arena
Wed July 02 2014 - NOTTINGHAM Capital FM Arena
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