Page 72 - ION Indie Magazine JanFeb 2018

musicians that have crossed her path during Lucy’s long association
Pictured: with this legendary performer. She simply loves the man and counts
Melanie Denard
herself as not only an avid and devoted fan, but most importantly, a
FRIEND.

Thus, I was surprised when Lucy shared with me that she was now
managing a Bad Company/Free/Paul Rodgers tribute band. The notion
sounded almost sacrilege in theory. But as if reading my thoughts,
Lucy was quick to point out that, yes, it would have to be QUITE a band
for her to be moved to do so -- or as I teased, “cheat on Paul.” My
interest was substantially peaked -- which enticed me and my
photographic sidekick JB BRIDGES (Managing Editor/Senior
Photojournalist, ION Indie Magazine) to meander our way to
Woodstock, Georgia to one of our area’s finest music venue’s,
MADLIFE STAGE & STUDIOS, a beautiful new complex in our neck of
the woods. ION Indie Magazine has had the pleasure to catch a
previous performance at MadLife and this venue’s staging, lighting,
and sound system are second to none! Hence, we knew that we would
be catching the Madam Company show in the best of settings.

First a bit about the band: Madam Company is comprised of lead singer
MELANIE DENARD (yes, a FEMALE), JODY LUNDELL (guitar/back vocals), KURT CARRICK (guitar/back vocals),
MISTY CARRICK (bass, keys, guitar, back vocals), and CHRISTIAN DAVIDSON (drums). As this is a multi-
dimensional, multi-talented group, it’s not unusual to see them switching off instruments during their high-
energy show. The only thing that rivaled their sheer talent was the excitement in their presence on stage. Once
they took the stage, Melanie and crew never let their foot off
the gas and we were in for the ride of our lives. The heat that
poured from that stage was only rivaled by the warmth of the Pictured: Christian Davidson
love that was returned from the adoring crowd.

Maybe this particular tribute project “works” as it is a woman
taking the lead vocal duties and not a man. After all, what
MAN could duplicate Paul Rodgers? However, with Melanie
up front serving lush vocals punctuated by rich, bluesy runs
that are reminiscent of “The Voice Rodgers”, you don’t feel
like you are being sold a bill of goods or a “cheap facsimile
thereof”. It was all there…the big notes, the grand gestures,
the crowd engagement…rock n roll bliss!

All the usual song-suspects were served…Free’s “All Right
Now”, and Bad Company faves like “Youngblood,” presented
playfully by the bandmates, and other crowd-pleasers such as
“Running With The Pack,” “Ready For Love,” “Can’t Get
Enough,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Movin’ On,” and of course,
the song that (as Christian so eloquently put it, “…is the name
of the band, song, and album”), “Bad Company.” The whole
venue lit up with simulated stars twirling in the sky-ceiling
when Madam Company launched into the beloved anthem