Jack White owns stage on solo tour stop at Cain's Ballroom
BY JERRY WOFFORD World Staff Writer
Saturday, March 17, 2012
3/17/12 at 5:55 AM
Jack White has lent his gifted guitar riffs to many acts in the past decade, but what he brought to a sold-out Cain's Ballroom show Thursday night was what he does best: Jack White.
White played to a crowd enthusiastic to see one of modern music's most talented singers, songwriters and guitar shredders. Several cars with out-of-state license plates were parked around downtown Tulsa as fans flocked to catch one of White's few U.S. shows before a stint overseas and before the release of his upcoming debut solo album, "Blunderbuss," due out next month.
White broke out with The White Stripes before founding The Raconteurs in 2005 and The Dead Weather in 2009. He has collaborated with numerous acts, from Alicia Keys to the Insane Clown Posse.
The first riff of his gritty guitar sound and the first notes from his distinct voice sent the crowd wild and gave them exactly what they came to hear. The blues-inspired but rock-conceived sound with a dash of soul - especially in the new releases - let the audience know that what their ears fell in love with over the past decade is still there.
And White let the audience know he was glad to see them and glad to be in Tulsa.
"A lot of people say it's good to be back, but it really, really is good to be back in Tulsa," White said. "There is something special about this town."
Those lucky enough to get a ticket to the Tulsa show got to hear what's in store with the new album. The songs have a sound familiar to The White Stripes with gritty rock guitar and an unparalleled voice, but White takes the lead.
In "Sixteen Saltines," a single from "Blunderbuss," he took his voice and guitar to the edge of what those poor, overworked amps could handle, while he was in complete control. White hits notes with ease and effortlessly plays every inch of the guitar to its fullest potential.
White paid tribute to country and western music with his version of Hank Williams' "You Know That I Know," which fit right in at the home of Bob Wills.
A steel guitar and fiddle (because when played like his backing band played it, it's a fiddle) made the fire. White's voice lit it ablaze.
From Hank Williams, White went into another single off the new solo album, "Love Interruption." A graphic description of love's pain, "Love Interruption" is refreshing in its softness, undercut by the intense lyrics.
Those who only know White through The White Stripes were not disappointed, either.
The crowd rocked their heads in unison to "I'm Slowly Turning Into You," one of The White Stripes' hits. In the encore after his hourlong set, everyone in that music hall would help him fight a "Seven Nation Army."
The two singles from his new album were just recently released, and several people in the crowd sang along. So whatever Jack White does next, his army will surely follow.
Original Print Headline: Solo shredder
Jerry Wofford 918-581-8310
jerry.wofford@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Jack White performs at Cain's Ballroom on Thursday. JO McCAUGHEY/Courtesy
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