Page 73 - ION Indie Magazine JanFeb 2018

“Shooting Star,” during which Melanie coyly
Pictured: Kurt Carrick,
coaxed the audience into a sing-a-long…and Melanie Denard,

they were only too happy to oblige. and Misty Carrick

As a side note, having spent time chatting and
becoming acquainted with the group while
capturing a few promotional shots prior to

their performance in the proverbial “green
room” -- which is never actually green except
for the mold I’ve found propagating in some

(MadLife’s Green Room is impeccable, by the
way) – I can say that besides being superb
musicians, I LIKE these folks. Besides the fact
that 4 of them are married (to each other), the
mutual admiration they have for each other as

a collective and the bond they share lends
itself to the harmonious music they emit when

they take the stage. I saw demonstrations of
this familial affection backstage. I saw it when

Misty placed both of her hands upon Melanie’s shoulders, and while making intense eye contact, gave her a
pre-show pep talk. I saw it in the quick smiles, teasing quips, and friendly slaps on the back that were exchanged.
And it was profoundly present in the prayer circle formed before taking the stage. These are the sort of family
members that you’d actually look forward to seeing over the holidays.

No doubt, when surveying the room, there was an older demographic in attendance, which, in a way, presents
a tougher sell for Madam Company, as this was music of these concert-goers’ generation, as timeless as it is.
However, the crowd WAS sold and definitely picking up what this band was putting down, as evidenced by their
enthusiastic fist-pumping, head-bopping, body-swaying, and spontaneous chair-dancing. I would bet my hip-
hugging bell bottom pants and platform shoes that most of the audience knew every word to every song and
that many had probably even seen Bad Company live in concert.
It’s always a risky proposition when trying to duplicate a legend.
I never felt, however, that Madam Company was trying to
capitalize on or “skate” on a famous person’s name…they were
truly paying homage – and doing it with all the finesse and flair
of “the man” himself. Their reverence for the music was
supremely evident. It rang true in every guitar lick, the expert
harmonies, and the familiar nuances in Melanie’s masterful
vocals.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And in this
reporter’s opinion, I think a certain Mr. Rodgers would be
proud to welcome these fine musicians rockin’ his
neighborhood any day.

Pictured: Misty Carrick
Learn more about Madam Company at the following sites:
and Jody Lundell

Website: www.madamcompany.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/madamcompanytribute