Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 20, 1991 TAG: 9104200376
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TRACIE FELLERS/ STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
When the Atlanta duo walked on stage in Virginia Tech's Burruss Auditorium on Thursday night, they got a standing ovation from the largely collegiate crowd.
And this was before Amy Ray and Emily Saliers plucked a single guitar string.
But the Indigos proved themselves worthy of the adulation with a stunning performance.
There were no lackluster numbers or halfhearted efforts in almost two hours of inspired strumming and impassioned singing.
The group, which won a Grammy for its self-titled 1989 album, started strong with "Welcome Me," one of the most stirring songs from its latest release, and never looked back.
Ray and Saliers were in fine form vocally. Ray's strong, husky voice, rooted in rock 'n' roll, balanced Saliers' lighter, sweeter sound beautifully.
Whether they were reflective, as in "You and Me of the 10,000 Wars" or revved up, as they were with the upbeat "Hammer and a Nail," the Indigos had no trouble showing off their tight, seamless harmonies.
Ray and Saliers shone just as brightly when they went solo.
Ray sang a politically charged song which made reference to would-be presidential assassin Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme as well as the impossible dream of peace on earth.
The tune, delivered with commanding intensity, went over well with the crowd. It also went over the head of at least one fan, who was heard saying, `Who's Squeaky?,' after the song.
Saliers treated fans to a lovely, haunting rendition of "History of Us," a ballad she said she wrote after traveling to Europe with her parents. During her trip, Saliers was reminded of how precious life is, and of how important it is to take advantage of it while we can, she said.
While the sellout crowd was wildly enthusiastic about every song the Indigos performed - and with good reason - "Closer to Fine" and "Land of Canaan" were among the clear favorites.
Ray and Saliers responded to the audience's ardor with an endearing "aw shucks" attitude - even when fans started screaming out requests.
At one point during the show, Saliers said: "Ya'll are so friendly we just feel like standing here and you know . . . chatting. So we're gonna sing a song."
Jerrard McHugh opened the show with a half-hour of rock- and country-tinged folk. At his best, McHugh recalls U2 vocalist Bono. But at his worst, McHugh's voice is more of a flat, nasal yowl.
McHugh joined the Indigos for "Kid Fears," which the duo played as an encore - and proved that he just isn't in their class.
His attempt to embellish their excellence certainly wasn't needed, and was more intrusion than asset.
by CNB