Shelby Lynne gives 'Dreamsome' show

It’s a shame the Somerville Theatre wasn’t packed Wednesday. But that didn’t stop 39-year-old Shelby Lynne from delivering a jaw-dropping performance that without question eclipsed her 2005 Paradise gig.
Looking tan and radiant in a midriff-baring black sleeveless top and tight jeans, her blond mane flowing past her shoulders, the country singer-turned-genre-defying-spitfire led her four-piece band into a version of “Life Is Bad” that was as gritty as a dirt road. Simon Cowell would have disapproved: Lynne forgot the final verse. She admitted she’d missed it several nights running, and while most singers would just drop it from the set, her insistence upon singing it anyway revealed her stubborn commitment.
From there forward, Lynne achieved a rare level of focus, easily surpassing the studio versions of “Leavin’ ” and “Your Lies,” both from her Grammy-winning “I Am Shelby Lynne,” the latter supercharged with vice-grip harmonies from the band.



A third of the way through, Lynne launched into a five-song miniset from her lauded new Dusty Springfield tribute, “Just a Little Lovin.’ ” She held the room rapt as she passionately belted the title track, which was built on guitarist John Jackson’s repeated blues riff and drummer BryanOwing’s stark rim-tapped beat.
Lynne’s vulnerability reached a fevered pitch during the brushed-snare and piano treatment of “Anyone Who Had a Heart.” Despite her tough-cookie persona, she transformed herself into the Bacharach classic’s bewildered protagonist, eyes closed, fists clenched, knees bent.
Returning to her own catalog, Lynne did “Johnny Met June,” her touching eulogy to the late Johnny Cash, and sang “Dreamsome,” featuring keyboard player Randy Leago on bass flute, with the conviction of a heartfelt sermon.
Overall, it was the sort of set most performers can only dream about. It made Lynne’s cult-level status advantageous for her fans: They needn’t worry about sharing her with the masses.
Former Somerville resident Jim Bianco opened with a handful of riveting character studies, delivered within a folky framework that showcased an expressive Joe-Cocker-meets-Richie-Havens rasp.
SHELBY LYNNE, with JIM BIANCO. At Somerville Theatre, Wednesday night.