Wynonna & The Big Noise roll into the Rialto with a rootsy revival

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Country singer/songwriter and frequent crossover star Wynonna hasn’t needed her surname as a means of identification for quite a while. That’s not to discount her roots in The Judds throughout the 1980s or a solo revival throughout the ‘90s, but she’s continuously approaching legendary level by refusing to rest on her merits and regularly exploring the reaches of her inimitable voice.

Whether it was that specific song or the several that came before, the adaptable entertainer ultimately filled a rapt Rialto up with hope as her flawless interpretations fell in a category that can only be described as Wynonna, no last name needed.

During a headlining performance at the meticulously preserved Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Wynonna revisited many of her southern-slanted treasures, but also branched out into roots rock, blues and gospel. Along the way, this “woman with faith and attitude” was accompanied by The Big Noise, her four collaborators on tour as of late, and also the backbone of their latest self-titled album (with another one well on its way).

Throughout 105 uplifting minutes, that meant Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” her own “Tell Me Why” and “She Is His Only Need,” The Judds’ “Love Is Alive,” “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days)” and “I Know Where I’m Going,” plus notable newcomers “Things That I Lean On,” the debut of “Love Ain’t Got The Best Of Me Yet” (albeit with some forgotten words) and “You Make My Heart Beat Too Fast.” In between, Wynonna appeared personable and appreciative towards the audience, especially a young lady who brought her flowers, while demonstrating a playful rapport with the musicians, who include her husband/producer Cactus Moser (of Highway 101 fame).

For the encore, Wynonna really brought out the big guns, blazing through the rollicking “No One Else On Earth” and simmering with the ballad “Love Can Build A Bridge,” which she may have recorded with The Judds nearly 30 years ago, but its message may even mean more today. Whether it was that specific song or the several that came before, the adaptable entertainer ultimately filled a rapt Rialto up with hope as her flawless interpretations fell in a category that can only be described as Wynonna, no last name needed.

Click here for more photos of Wynonna & The Big Noise at the Rialto Square Theatre.

For additional information on Wynonna, visit Wynonna.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Rialto Square Theatre include Postmodern Jukebox (Feb. 10); Styx (Feb. 12); Tiffany Jenkins (Feb. 22); Bill Engvall (Mar. 1); Hairball (Mar. 2); Disney Junior Dance Party! On Tour (Mar. 6); Billy Idol & Steve Stevens (Mar. 21); Aaron Lewis (Mar. 27); Tusk: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show (Apr. 4); Church Basement Ladies (Apr. 9); Straight No Chaser (Apr. 24) and “The Sound Of Music” Live On Stage (May 22). For additional details, visit RialtoSquare.com.

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Wynonna & The Big Noise roll into the Rialto with a rootsy revival

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