Jayvee Music Reviews with Jeff Vallet

My very first column was published Sept. 2, 1996. In that column I reviewed an album by a 13-year-old girl by the name of Leann Rimes. Her song “Blue” had taken the world by storm. It is funny how things come full circle.
Just last night, my wife and I attended a concert in Baton Rouge. Leann Rimes was in town. She is now 31 years of age. Over the years, we have seen her in concert in various venues. She is still very grounded and connected to her fans. The show was really warm and personal.
Her voice is absolutely amazing. Her performance at The L’auberge Casino in Baton Rouge was certainly memorable. The crowd was given a night to remember. She performed songs from her new album “Spitfire.” I believe that her new album is some of the best work she has ever done.
Starting her career at such a young age made Leann a prodigy of sorts. I believe she has established herself as the artist she wants to be. She showed confidence yet vulnerability. She was strong yet appealing.
I loved hearing the songs that launched her. But, I was more interested in seeing how her latest work has put her in the place that she wanted to be. I could see very clearly that she was confident in her own skin. Her latest work actually gave her the chance to tell her story with music.
“Spitfire” covers the emotions that she has went through in her lifetime, from anger to love, from frustration to letting go. One of the best songs on the new album is “Borrowed.” I could tell by her performance on the songs from the “Spitfire” release, that it was emotional for her. That is OK. That is what music is supposed to do. I love it when an artist can jump right in and feel the hurt, the joy, or the warmth of a song.
She is still the Leann that I met many years ago. My wife and I were hanging out with her before the show. She shows an interest in her fans. I asked her how Eddie, her husband, was doing. She said “He is fine, he is here at this show.”
I have a love/hate feeling about Leann Rimes. I love to attend her concerts. But, I hate to see them end. The night was a success. My wife and I enjoyed the music and so did the packed house at L’auberge Casino. Super cool show!