LoveMyCountryMusic.com

Brantley Gilbert's Rockin' Country Wakes Up D.C.

The 930 Club in Washington, DC, is one of the best live music venues in the country, but it isn't known for booking country acts. That may change thanks to the huge turnout country acts have attracted, most recently Brantley Gilbert.

Outside of his cult following in the South, the Georgia native is known more for writing the hits "My Kind of Party" and "Dirt Road Anthem" for Jason Aldean. Brantley rarely plays headlining shows this far from Dixie so I wasn't sure what kind of crowd he'd draw on a sleepy Thursday night in August (when DC is known for basically shutting down). But the GRITS and redneck Romeos came from several neighboring states for the show.

Brantley managed to almost fill the 1,200-capacity club by word-of-mouth with zero radio support -- the local country stations vans parked in front of the Taylor Swift and Keith Urban shows held at the basketball arena in the past few weeks were nowhere to be found on this night. No local DJ came out to do the intro or toss t-shirts into the crowd.

Not that any of the fans lined up around the block hoping to get in early to secure a spot on the floor cared one bit about country radio, which rarely plays their kind of music anyway.

Fans sang and fist-pumped along to every song, having learned "GRITS" (Girls Raised in the South), "Kick It In The Sticks," "Hell on Wheels" and "Take it Outside" without any help from the radio. Those who hadn't seen Brantley in parts south or opening on the Country Throwdown tour earlier this summer learned his songs from YouTube, where his live performance videos have had millions of views. and My Space (yes, My Space is still there), where total plays of his songs is close to 16.5 million.

Brantley put on an exhilarating performance of loud, in-your-face country music that takes liberally from rock with a dash of rap. You can almost feel his connection to his fans and his fans to him. The energy sizzles from the stage to the crowd and back again and again.

And even when he slows it down for the rare ballads -- the playful "My Kind of Crazy" and sweet "You Don't Know Her Like I Do" -- the energy keeps buzzing like afterglow.

It's hard not to compare Brantley Gilbert's rising success to the other rare country act to play (and sell out) the 930 Club -- Eric Church. Both boast a rabid fan following, extensive touring and a sound that's a little harder than many country radio stations are comfortable with.

Eric Church recently sent the entire music industry a wake-up call when his new CD "Chief" debuted at the number one spot on Billboard's all-genre charts, and selling almost 150,000 copies in its first week. Let's hope Brantley will be on a similar path soon. His first major label release, "Halfway to Heaven Deluxe," is due September 13.

Find out more at www.brantleygilbert.com

Is Chris Young Too Sexy for Country Music?

You may have heard that Chris Young has lost his hat. But don’t worry, he's still as country as biscuits and gravy. He also might be too sexy for his audience. (More about this later.)

This was the first time I'd seen Chris Young as a headliner (not counting his fan club party last year) and I'll have to say I think his opening act days will soon be behind him. He had no problem commanding the stage, coming out with guitars blazing with "Lay it on Me" and keeping up the energy through tracks from his soon-to-be 3-CD* catalog. He had no problem filling the 70-minute show with only a few covers, all of which were well-suited to his voice and style, which is heavy on charm and sex appeal.

Those looking for his hits got them all-- "Voices," "The Man I Want To Be," and the encore he'll be playing for the next 40 years, "Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)."  He didn't forget his first CD, either, playing "21 Candles," "Who's Gonna Take Me Home" and " Small Town Big Time."

The audience got a sneak preview of Chris's new CD "Neon," due July 12, including the so-sexy current top-10 single, "Tomorrow" and his summer radio-friendly next single, "Save Water, Drink Beer."

He never got too far away from the sexy, of course -- how could he, with those ridiculous good looks and deep, dreamy voice, and the third song from "Neon" is another seduction song, "I Can Take it From There," which got the ladies young and old screaming and swooning again.

Chris did his best to connect with the men in the predominantly female audience, playing a song "to set up the tee for you guys" to encourage a little slow dancing, the always beautiful country classic "When You Say Nothing at All."

But I don't know if it helped. The men seemed a bit annoyed by the goings-on, none too pleased with the wanton behavior of their women.

So is Chris Young too sexy for his audience?

Naaa. He can fill up a theater with multi generations of adoring female fans and their tolerant male companions, who, if they're smart, can reap the benefits of "Gettin' You Home" after the show.

Chris at times seemed a bit embarrassed by the screams of his adoring fans, but he handled the ardour with humor and graciousness, chatting with the audience about the days when he was grateful if the number of people in the audience outnumbered those on the stage.

"Thank you for being here. Thank you for changing my life," Chris told the audience before leaving the stage.

You’re welcome, Chris. But next time you get to headline a show, please play a wee bit longer.

 

The Best Country Songs of 2010

Let's start with five songs you may have never heard because they weren't released as singles (but should have been) or never made it very high up the charts.

5. "Blossom in the Dust" Mallary Hope

This is a song Dolly Parton would have made a hit from during the '70s. A beautifully told story about love and the human spirit, with simple, swelling music and Hope's clear, strong voice, it's just a shame country radio has lost its taste for this kind of song. More people should here and be touched by its power and promise.

4. "Ain't Much Left of Lovin' You" Randy Montana

I love the story of heartbreak that is so visually painted with these lyrics: "That old porch swing, those songs we sang and the cold and bitter truth... the heaven we had, the hell that I'm going through, other than that, there ain't much left of lovin' you." Great guitar and drums drive the song along like a man falling head-first into a bottle.

3. "Tell Me" Jake Owen

This little-noticed single (it peaked at 35) shows Owen is a vocal powerhouse and I have no idea why it wasn't embraced by radio. Too cowboy-sounding? I loved the old Western sound of it. Is Owen's country hottie/bad boy image coming back to haunt him? Did the video's '70s porn vibe turn people off? Possibly. Let's hope the new CD promised in 2011 will get Owen the attention his singing and songwriting deserves, and the bad boy persona is laid to rest. With his talent, he doesn't need it. Don't believe me? See him live and you'll be a believer.

2. "Delilah" and "Draggin' the River" Blake Shelton

A sad and beautiful little cut from the otherwise goofy fun "Hillbilly Bone" CD -- I mean six-pack (let's leave that idea behind in 2010!) -- "Delilah" highlights Shelton's vocal and songwriting prowess. This song really should have been a single.

I'm hoping there still might be a chance we'll get "Draggin' the River" -- Blake's upbeat, twangy, funny duet with finance Miranda Lambert on the radio. I've heard that it won't be released because Blake and Miranda are on different labels. Come on, country radio -- you got Brad Paisley to release "This is Country Music" early. Why not use your muscle to get "Draggin' the River" released. Think of it as a wedding present!

1. "Strangers on a Train" David Nail

Probably my favorite song on the excellent "I'm About to Come Alive" CD, the bluesy music, fascinating storyline and outstanding vocals (with help from Miranda Lambert) leave me feeling like I just watched a great old movie that I want to see again and again. Every note, perfection! Why wasn't this a single in 2010?! Can we hope for it in 2011?

And now the songs you did hear...

5. "The Boys of Fall" Kenny Chesney

This song sounds beautiful, tells a compelling story and touches the heart with its earnestness and passion. I knew it would be a hit the first time I heard it, and I never change the station when it's on. (I'll leave others to speculate as to why one of they year's most heart-felt love songs is about football players.)

4. "She Won't Be Lonely Long" Clay Walker and "Love Like Crazy" Lee Brice (tie)

I put these two together because they remind me of the classic country of my youth. Simple stories, strong (but not show-stopping or overwhelming) vocals, and charming music that just lets the story play out. Refreshing, both of them. I'm not surprised neither made it to number one because they're kind of old fashioned. But I do love them both.

2. "Highway 20 Ride" Zac Brown Band

This song is so sad, sweet and beautiful, it makes me cry every damn time I hear it. Awesome songwriting, understated music, great harmonies. It tells a story that touches the heart. ("As She's Walking Away" is also great.)

1. "The Truth" Jason Aldean

Go away, you haters. Say what you will about Jason Aldean's brand of rockin' country (which I happen to love), you can't deny that this haunting ballad of a broken man is pure country worthy of Waylon or Cash. Or at least Crazy Heart's Bad Blake.

Other songs I loved in 2010: "Suffocating" by Blake Shelton; "From a Table Away" by Sunny Sweeney; "Hell on the Heart" and "Smoke a Little "Smoke" by Eric Church; "Way Out Here" and "Won't Be Lonely Long" by Josh Thompson; "The Call" by Matt Kennon; "Little White Church" by Little Big Town, "Mine" by Taylor Swift; "Lies" by Martina McBride; "Up on the Ridge" and "Draw Me a Map" by Dierks Bentley; "Hello World" by Lady Antebellum; "The Man I Want to Be" and "Rainy Night in Georgia" by Chris Young.

Side Stage Acts Whet Your Appetite on Brad Paisley’s H20 Tour

Brad Paisley launched his 2010 H20 Tour this weekend with stops in Virginia Beach and Bristow, Virginia, and it was a wet and wild show. The music started at 5 p.m. and only stopped for quick set changes and a move to the main stage at 7:30, then kept on going until after 11, giving fans 6 bands and 6 hours of music for the price of admission – a great deal!

And of course it was also a great show. The rain drizzled, fell and often poured throughout the Bristow show (just outside Washington, DC), which did make many of the water-themed “Water World” attractions less appealing. But who needs to cool off in a rain tent or waterslide when you’re already soaking wet from the ongoing downpours? The crowd didn’t care – we were there for the music, and a little water and mud was just part of the deal. (Want proof? Watch the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAUwmxsjLQM )

The Water World Plaza Stage acts did a great job putting the crowd in the mood. Steel Magnolia opened the show with their catchy, pop-flavored tunes and really impressed with their top-10 single “Keep On Lovin’ You” and their version of the Tom Petty/Stevie Nick duo “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.”

But the soaked and shivering crowd really got going when Josh Thompson took the stage. Everyone seemed to know every word to the working man’s anthem’s “Beer on the Table” and “Way Out Here,” singing along on the top of their lungs.

Josh’s stage confidence is really growing. While he was a bit subdued when I saw him earlier this year opening for Eric Church, he now seems at ease, having fun and even a touch cocky just a few month later. I haven't seen a performer flirt the girls/women in audience this much since I saw a male stripper at a girlfriend’s bachelorette party! Not that there's anything wrong with that. The “ladies” he called to 20 or 30 times throughout his 30-minute set sure loved it (including me).

Easton Corbin finished the side stage performances with his laid-back tunes, including the crowd-pleasing No. 1 hit “I’m a Little More Country Than That” and the new single Easton wrote for George Strait, “Gotta Get to You.” Easton didn’t have Josh Thompson’s stage presence or anthems, and the crowd was a bit quieter during his set, but it could have just been hypothermia setting in after two hours in the rain.

Definitely get to the H20 Tour early enough to catch the side stage acts. While I thought Josh Thompson was by far the best of the three, both Steel Magnolia and Easton Corbin did not disappoint and definitely made some new fans with their performances.

The main stage and lawn areas opened up at 6:30 and the crowd quickly moved on, happy with the musical appetizer but more than ready to feast on the main course of Justin Moore, Darius Rucker and Brad Paisley. And what a meal it was!

Opening acts Justin Moore and Darius Rucker started the main stage show off with their own great performances. Justin’s “Small Town USA” and “Backwoods” were sing-alongs, and his redneck and proud attitude was sincere and endearing.

And of course who doesn’t just love Darius? He may not be a showman, but his nice-guy persona and that brilliant, amazing voice singing those songs we all know and love always makes for an enjoyable set.

But the real star, of course, was Brad.

See also "Brad Paisley Sure Knows How to Throw a Pool Party!}

Vicky Dobbin is a writer, blogger and country music lover in Falls Church, Virginia. Follow her at www.Twitter.com/LMyCountryMusic and read her blog at www.LoveMyCountryMusic.com

Brad Paisley Sure Knows How to Throw a Pool Party!

It’s hard not to think about the recent Nashville flood when you see the Water World set-up at Brad Paisley’s H20 Tour, but when you see him rising from the water as he opens his show, it’s not sadness or mourning, but joy and the spirit of that community rising above that takes over.

With the exception of a few missing video screens and a little microphone trouble during the opening  song (both of which could have been the result of something non-flood related), you would have never known the entire set was under water less than three weeks ago.

Brad credits his team to getting everything cleaned-up and ready for the tour, which started this past weekend with stops in Virginia Beach and Bristow, Virginia (just outside Washington, DC). He tweeted his thanks to the crew before the Virginia Beach show: “These are the people that made this happen tonight. I broke down trying to thank them today. They are the best.” (See the photo at http://twitpic.com/1ptw8c)

Night two of the tour in Bristow show took the water theme a bit too seriously and was soaked from open to close, but the fans weren’t bothered at all, singing in the rain and dancing in the mud. Why? Because Brad Paisley sure knows how to throw a pool party!

First, invite the coolest people – in this case, Justin Moore and Darius Rucker for your main stage openers; and Steel Magnolia, Josh Thompson and Easton Corbin for the side stage. Next, add some great music, provided by his friends and himself, of course. Then add lots of water and you have the H20 Tour. I highly recommend you dive in.

Even if you saw Brad on last summer’s American Saturday Night Tour, you’ll enjoy this new version. He performs the hits and lots of material from his current CD,  but the songs just don’t get old. Whether the humorous “Online” and “I’m Still a Guy”; the romantic “Waiting on a Woman” and “Then”; or the feel-good anthem “Welcome to the Future,” Brad knows how to deliver a great song.

He does pull our few songs missed on the last tour, including the tear-jerker “Whiskey Lullaby,” which he sings with Allison Krause despite her not actually being there – I think. (You have to see it to understand my confusion.)

You know all the songs by heart and sing along. Add Brad’s fun stage presence, friendly banter and some hysterical home movies, and you really feel like you’re a welcomed guest at his party. (If only the beer and hot dogs were free, it would be a perfect evening!)

Like any good host, Brad made sure everyone was having a good time. So guitar in hand, he went through the audience in the covered pavilion, then kept going, to get close to the loyal and rain-soaked fans on the amphitheater’s lawn. (See http://twitpic.com/1q7b97)

He performed the so-appropriate “Mud on the Tires” and two other songs on a small platform at the back edge of the pavilion, to the delight of fans who expected the best view they’d get of him was on the theater’s giant video screens. I’ve been going to shows at this venue for more than a decade and have never seen any artist do that before. Way to go, Brad!

By the time he finishes off the evening with an encore performance of “Alcohol,” you can’t wait to tell your friends about the great party you went to.

Brad takes his H20 Tour to Kansas City and St. Louis next weekend, May 28 and 29, with more shows across the country throughout the summer. If you get a chance, take a swim!

Brad Paisley’s H20 Tour is raising money the for Water=Hope Campaign. Text H2O to 25383 to give $10 from your mobile phone.

See also "Side Stage Acts Whet Your Appetite on Brad Paisley’s H20 Tour"

Vicky Dobbin is a writer, blogger and country music lover in Falls Church, Virginia. Follow her at www.Twitter.com/LMyCountryMusic and read her blog at www.LoveMyCountryMusic.com

Jake Owen Has An Extra Spring In His Step At Winter Blast

Jake Owen is known for his high-energy and downright fun live shows but his performance Sunday night in Hampton, Virginia, was even more exuberant that usual. The concert, the Eagle97.com Winter Blast, was originally scheduled for January 30 but had to be postponed because of a blizzard. Jake seemed determined to make it up to the crowd and put on one of the best performances I’ve ever seen him give.


Jake ran and danced across the stage throughout his 90-minute set and the crowd roared and squealed, yes squealed – their approval. About half of the attendees seemed to be teen girls and their moms, and clearly the young and older ladies all share a certain admiration for Jake and are not afraid to show it.

The only time Jake stood still for more than a few seconds was to pose for pictures with the groups of girls who periodically rushed up to the stage, or when he jumped into the audience to sing to a handicapped fan in a wheelchair in the front row. And yes, the crowd did go, “Ahhhh.”

I’ve seen Jake a half dozen times over the last year and this show rivaled his star-making performance at the 2009 CMA Music Fest. Blame it on the first full day of spring, the enthusiastic crowd, friends in the audience or the alignment of the stars, but Jake was definitely on his game for this one.

Jake got the crowd going from the first song with “Yee Haw” and danced right into the fun and sexy “Cherry on Top.” The swoons and squeals kept right on going with “Something About a Woman” and “Bad in Me,” and the moms in the crowd didn’t seem to mind their daughters singing along to the sometimes risqué lyrics. My 5-year-old son sings along when Chris Young’s “Getting You Home” (The Black Dress Song) comes on the radio so who am I to judge?

Jake is backed by a great group of musicians who can go from the bluesy to the rockin’ and from the pop to the country with ease. These guys didn’t miss a note.

Jake Owen is more than a sexy performer, of course. He received the 2009 CMA Award for Best New Male Vocalist for his outstanding pipes, not his fun and sexy stage presence, and his live vocals prove that what’s on a CD is definitely not the results of some sound engineer sweetening the vocal track. At this show we were not treated to just Jake and his guitar for a nice acoustic version of anything – always a highlight of one of his performances – but we did of course get “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You.” As always, it’s a vocal showcase for Jake, and, as expected, he hit it out of the park with a soaring performance.

My personal favorite of the evening was “Tell Me,” Jake’s new single. The long instrumental opening, which has been edited from the radio version, was intact here, and it so beautifully sets up the dark, brooding but beautifully sung lyrics about a man who seems haunted by not being able to “just let go” of a bad love.

“Tell Me” is the first track on the CD “Easy Does It” and the steel guitar track and twangy vocals make it the most “country” song on the CD. Love it on the CD and love it even more live. I really think it’s going to be a huge hit.

The night ended with Jake’s recent hit, “Eight Second Ride,” and he brought out two college friends when he introduced the song. Seems they used to tell him to stop playing it all the time when they were all back at Florida State – and he wanted the buddies to hear the crowd singing along. Perhaps showing off for his college buddies is what put that extra spring in Jake’s performance – whatever it was, let’s hope he keeps it up. It was a great show.

Fans From Far and Near Welcome Jake Owen Home to Florida

Almost three dozen Jake Owen Fan Club members traveled from near (Orlando, Palm Beach) and far (Washington, Oregon and Virginia) to Vero Beach, Florida, last weekend to welcome Jake Owen back to his home town before his annual charity event, Mardy’s Tennis & Jake’s Music Fest.

The unofficial fan gathering was organized by fans for fans through the forum and chat room on Jake’s website, www.JakeOwen.net and the “fan tweet” Twitter account http://twitter.com/JakeOwenFans. I coordinated the successful event.

Fans toured the beautiful beach community, picked up Jake Owen sheet music at the Melody Music store where Jake bought his first guitar, and gathered for a pre-concert happy hour at the Riverside Cafe, the site of many of Jake’s early performances. Happy hour included a signed CD giveaway sponsored by Live at the Longhorn, and a photo exchange where fans swapped their favorite Jake pictures. Wanting to give back to the community that gave them Jake, fans also collected $150 for a local food bank.

The concert-goers at Vero Beach High School were an interesting mix of rabid fans who wanted to dance in their seats and locals who kept telling us to sit down and be quiet. It was an uneasy peace but fans were respectful of the older audience members’ wishes, at least until the last 20 minutes of the show, when many of us went to the front of the stage and refused to be moved. We just couldn’t keep still one moment longer!

Jake put on an amazing performance of old, new and cover songs, and despite having his friends and family sitting in the front row, didn’t turn down the sexy one bit. “Eight Second Ride,” “The Long Way Home” and “Whatever Turns You On” got the crowd going, and his version of “Slow Hand” had even some of the retirees in the audience swooning.

Hearing Jake’s autobiographical songs “Starting With Me” and “Somewhere in the Middle” had a special poignancy performed on the stage of the high school he graduated from in 2000, and as he chatted and joked with friends and fans from the stage, the event couldn’t have been more personal. It was definitely the best Jake Owen performance I’ve seen, and that’s saying a lot because I’ve never seen Jake put on anything less than an great show.

 The highlight for many that evening was meeting Jake after the show, where he Jake gave out autographs and hugs. Fans also chatted with band members and staffers, who were all so appreciative of the fans’ loyalty and enthusiasm.

The actual concert raised thousands of dollars for the Mardy Fish and Jake Owen Foundation, which sponsors after school activities at four local elementary schools. A pre-concert auction raised $15,100, and I seriously considered mortgaging my house to bid on the best item of the evening – the chance to go on tour with Jake, including all access passes, travel on his tour bus and the opportunity to watch a show from anywhere in the house – “except Jake’s lap,” the auctioneers joked.  

The fan trip to Vero Beach, dubbed the unofficial “First Annual Jake Owen Fan Club Fly-In,” was a great success and shows that fans don’t have to wait for labels or fan clubs to arrange events for them – we’re doing it ourselves now via the internet. See everyone next year!

Vicky Dobbin is a country music lover in Falls Church, VA. Read her country music blog at www.lovemycountrymusic.com and follow her at http://twitter.com/vdobbin.

Blake Shelton Plays Surprise Acoustic Show at Philly-Area Sports Bar

 Fans got a very special treat on Sunday, November 1, when country superstar Blake Shelton gave a free performance at a sports bar in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a suburb of Philadelphia.

The show, announced on Twitter on the Blake Shelton fan tweet www.twitter.com/ BSersTweet and then by Blake himself, was sponsored by a local radio station.

Blake tweeted for a few weeks prior to the announcement that he wanted to do a show in Philly where he could just sit on a barstool and "play for beer," and that's just what he did for the standing-room-only crowd that packed Taylor's sports bar. Set up on a small stage/lounge area in front of a big screen TV showing NASCAR highlights, you would have thought it was an open mic event, not a performance be someone with multiple number 1 records.

While a number of bar patrons had no idea the country star would be making an appearance  after the Eagles football game and before the Phillies baseball game, others (OK, me!) drove 150 miles each way for the show and arrived 5 hours early to make sure they got a good spot. Everyone had a great time.

Blake did a great acoustic set with no band. It was just him, his guitar, a barstool and a few beers. He seemed very comfortable in front of the small but lively crowd and based his set list on suggestions shouted from the fans he were packed in front of the small stage. Songs included old and new favorites, "Nobody But Me," "Some Beach," "The More I Drink," "Home," "I'll Just Hold On," 'Don't Make Me," "She Wouldn't Be Gone" and, of course,  "Austin."

And while I think of Blake as a singer more than a musician, this show changed that perception. I was very impressed with his guitar playing on every song, particularly the bluesy "Ol Red" and uptempo "Playboys of the Southwestern World."

I was also impressed with the crowd at Taylor's, who seemed to know every word to every song and weren't at all shy about singing along at the top of their voices!

If you ever get a chance to see Blake Shelton do an acoustic set in a small venue, don't hesitate, even if it is a 300-mile round trip. Believe me, it will be worth it!

More pictures from the show here.

Eric Church Reinjures His Foot, Postpones Show, But Still Wows the Crowd in Richmond

Eric Church Reinjures His Foot, Postpones Show, But Still Wows the Crowd in Richmond

Eric Church has postponed his Myrtle Beach set for Friday, Oct. 16, after reinjuring his foot Wednesday during a show in Charlotte. Eric did play his Thursday night in Richmond, performing from a chair.

He apologized to fans at the Richmond show for sitting during the performance, and joked that the injury was Jack Daniels-related. He did a full set, hopping on one foot occasionally, and even changed the lyrics in his song “These Boots” to reflect the current injury.

The crowd was appreciative of his efforts and agreed that even from a chair, Eric rocked the house and put on a great performance.

An official statement in on www.ericchurch.com

Eric initially injured his foot in August. See http://findingconor.typepad.com/music/2009/09/ec-cancel.html for more information.

See http://findingconor.typepad.com/photos/eric_richmond/index.html for pictures from the Richmond show.

Blake Shelton Keeps the Crowd Warm and Smiling on a Wet September Night

Blake Shelton is a silver-tongued devil! What else can explain why thousands of fans sat in the freezing rain to hear him sing at the Great Frederick Fair in rural Maryland on Sept. 26? His rich, deep voice kept us warm and his charming banter and redneck jokes keep us entertained. It was all an illusion, of course – as my next day’s sniffles can attest -- but we ate it up.

A Blake Shelton concert has its mandatory songs, including “Austin,” “Some Beach” and “Ol’ Red”;  as well as the recent singles “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” and “I’ll Just Hold On”; and the future single “Green” (or is “Country Strong” the next single? That may still be undecided). Blake didn’t disappoint, performing those Shelton standards with heart and a smile. He didn’t mix it up with different versions – didn’t need to, really – just played what we expected to hear and already loved.

He did offer up a few surprises. “Playboys of the Southwestern World” was a crowd pleaser that put a smile on everyone’s face with its story of the misadventures  of two good ol’ boys. And it was fun to hear Blake pay tribute to his country music roots with performances of “Tight Fitting Jeans” and “Goodbye Time.”

But the best surprises showed off the amazing voice that we don’t always appreciate on the less vocally challenging songs that make up his repertoire. The acoustic “Don’t Make Me” squeezed my heart and gave me chills (and no, it wasn’t the weather!). And, of course, “Home,” the song that turned me into a die-hard B.S. fan for life, is one of the best vocal performance I’ve ever heard by a singer in any genre. Performed live, it’s even more proof that Blake is the most under-rated and under-recognized male vocalist in country music. (Being named Mr. Twitter doesn’t count!) Hello, awards panels! Pay attention! Did you HEAR that!

Blake kept the evening rolling with charming chatter about everything from the impending opening of  deer hunting season to the lack of beer sales on the fairgrounds, and never seemed to take himself at all seriously. He also seemed quite sincere in his gratitude to the crowd for coming out and sitting in the rain to hear an ol’ redneck sing a few songs.

You’re welcome, Blake. The pleasure was all ours!

And a little hint to die-hard fans. At an outdoor venue, if you get there early enough, you can probably hear the sound check. Blake played Billy Joel’s “My Life” and “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” during this one and both sounded great. Neither song made it into the show later so I consider these bonus tracks! I’ve also heard him perform most of “She Talks to Angels” during a sound check. How I wish he’d add that to his regular set. It is amazing! (You can see a Stripped version on YouTube and the CD/DVD version of “Pure B.S.” Definitely check it out!)

• See more pictures from this show.
• Read more about Blake Shelton.
• Read another review of this show.

Set list:

1. The More I Drink
2. Nobody But Me
3. Country Strong
4. The Baby
5. I’ll  Just Hold On
6. Goodbye Time
7. Playboys Of The Southwestern World
8. Acoustic: Don’t Make Me
9. Home
10. Tight Fitting Jeans
11. Green
12. Austin
13. She Wouldn’t Be Gone
14. Some Beach
15. Encore: Redneck Girl
16. Ol' Red

Will the Next Big Rascal Flatts Single Be a Carter Twins Song?

Carter Twin Zach shared a little secret with fans Saturday night -- the brothers' song "That's a Good Thing" is being considered by Rascal Flatts for the country mega group's next CD. "It would be really cool to be 19 years old and have a song we wrote recorded by Rascal Flatts," Zach told the audience.

• See more photos from the Sept. 19 Carter Twins Show

Josh Carter even gave the sound check audience a little snippet of what he thinks the song will sound like when it's recorded by Rascal Flatts, doing an impression of Flatt's lead singer Gary LeVox. And it sounded great! The up-tempo number would definitely fit right in on a Rascal Flatts CD. Let's hope it all works out.

The brothers' played their hearts out for the small but enthusiastic audience Saturday night. The almost 90-minute set included fan favorites "Photo Booth," "So What" and my newest favorite, "Amy Just Stay." And is it possible that "Heart Like Memphis" is even more beautiful when it's performed live? It's really one of my favorite country songs and Saturday's performance just made me love it more.

The guys also played some interesting covers that made the most of their excellent harmonies. "My Maria" (which, by the way, Zach, is not just a Brooks and Dunn song, but was a hit for B.W. Stevenson before you were born!) worked particularly well. They should put that one on their CD, which has been promised for early next year.

• (Update: Carter Twins part ways with label; bright future ahead! http://bit.ly/ct-future)

Also really good was the Collective Soul cover "Shine," which Zach dedicated to "the parents in the room or those of you who are a little older." Didn't need to be reminded that the boys are young enough to be my sons but I'm sure he didn't mean to make me feel old!

The only misstep of the set was their version of Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion," which only sounded good on that famous chorus but just didn't work for any other part of the song. Their other pop/rock covers where great, including Matchbox 20's "3 A.M" and Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'."

I do have to ask what the heck these talented brothers were doing playing at this out-of-the-way venue -- Dave-Bob's BBQ in Winchester, Virginia. Inconveniently located just off I-81 on the way from North Carolina to Pennsylvania, not too far from West Virgina and not really close to anywhere, the little BBQ joint draws some interesting national acts. Trent Tomlinson played there in August; Heidi Newfield is next on October 2 and then Emily West and Sarah Buxton are a double bill later in October. I guess this is where you pay your dues on the way up?

I was happy to make the 90-minute trek from my suburban Washington, DC., home to see these talents brothers, who I first met last June in Nashville at a private CMT show during CMA fest. I really believe that the Carter Twins are the future of country music. My 4-year-old son, Conor, who was thrilled to get his photo taken with Zach, agrees, and, like his mommy, will be a Carter Twins fan for life.

Rural Town or Big Crowd, For Jake Owen, There's No Such Thing as a Small Show

I have a confession: Before I went to CMA Fest in Nashville in June, I didn't know the difference between Jake Owen and Luke Bryan. Both were playing Friday night at LP Field, but it was headliners Jason Aldean and Rodney Atkins I was most looking forward to seeing.

And then Jake Owen took the stage ... and I was blown away. I've been to a lot of concerts and seen a lot of charismatic performers (Michael Hutchence of INXS and Johnny Cash come to mind as the best) but I have NEVER seen anyone have so much crowd-winning, rip-roaring, contagious fun and enthusiasm as I saw from Jake Owen that night in Nashville. (You can decide for yourself when Jake's performance is part of ABC-TV's CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock, Monday, Aug. 31.)

Fast forward several weeks to August 15, rural Clarke County in my adopted home state of Virginia. Playing to a crowd of hundreds vs. 60,000 at LP Field, and guess what?--Jake had that same enthusiasm and spirit that won me over back in Nashville.

I was so impressed by the Virginia show that I decided to make another Jake road trip, a week later, this time 150 miles north in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. Jake once again brought it all to the small crowd (maybe 800-900 people?), just as I'd seen him do for the big one.

He also performed very different sets at the two venues. Both sets opened with "8 Second Ride" and included the expected hits, including "Yee-Haw" and "Don't Think I Can't Love You." But the Virginia audience heard twangy John Anderson covers "Money in the Bank" and "Swinging," as well as an ambitious Kenny Rogers cover of "She Believes in Me." Definitely give Jake that song on the next Kenny tribute CD -- his performance was beautiful and heartfelt. So maybe he did flub the words just a bit and needed help from an audience member to get back on track, that was just part of the performance's charm. And the audience felt so personally connected to the performance, we were happy to help out!

Jake also performed a new song for the Virginia show, "Hurtin' Heart," a haunting, poignant ballad that will certainly be the highlight of his next CD. It's easy to associate Jake with sexy, steamy songs including "Something About a Woman," "Easy Does It" and the recent Top-2 single "Don't Think I Can't Love You." But there's as much love as there is lust, and much heart and soul as there is, well, steamy sexuality in his music. "Hurtin' Heart," performed with just an acoustic guitar, crickets literally chirping in the background on a hot summer night, was so moving, so powerful, it even got the girls dancing at the side of the stage throughout the show to stop and just listen. Great stuff. ("Hurtin' Heart" is available online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIQBrxJOmi8).

Perhaps knowing that the twang of the Virginia show might be a bit ambitious for the Yankees at the Pennsylvania show, Jake decided to rock it up a notch instead and featured a Tom Petty cover as well as a rockin' showcase for his band, who performed a kick-butt cover of Journey's "Separate Ways" while Jake ran around the stage, head-banging with the audience. 

Well, not a lot of the audience members were exactly head-banging. Many of them where content to sit in their lawn chairs, occasionally tapping their feet but always clapping when appropriate. The Yankees were definitely more subdued than the assorted rednecks, good ol' girls and just small town folk of Virginia. It's amazing what a difference 150 miles north or south can make!

In Virginia, Jake's stage banter was about girls and sex (although he kept it pretty tame), and the crowd ate it up; in Pennsylvania the talk was about homemade whoopie pies and meeting up with old friends and familiar faces, with only a slightly risqué story about his dad borrowing the teen Jake's new CD player and locking the bedroom door for some alone time with mom. (This was a Jake Owen show, for goodness sake: There had to be some talk about sex!) 

Jake knew how to read the very different audiences, and both audiences loved the tailor-made attention. No generic chit-chat here! 

Whether playing for thousands at the CMA Fest stadium or hundreds at a small town fair, Jake Owen knows his audience, and the audience appreciates that they're getting a show made just for them. Catch him now while he still plays these small venues. I think his rising popularity put him in arenas and stadiums soon. But don't worry – you'll still get just as great a show when he hits the big time. He can handle it -- I've seen it myself!

Craig Morgan Connects With the Everyman in Fredericksburg, VA

Craig Morgan may not get the media attention (and lately the record sales or airplay) his buddy Blake Shelton but he certainly knows how to connect with his audience, thanks to his everyman looks, gracious and fun-loving stage banter and songs about real life, real love and faith.

The crowd Friday night at the Celebrate Virginia grounds in Fredericksburg, VA, sang along to favorites "Redneck Yacht Club" and "Little Bit of Life" as well as the new summer party favorite "Bonfire," and held their lovers close and swayed along to the ballads "Tough" and "What I Love About Sundays," which was opened with a sweet version of "Amazing Grace."

Personally, I particularly enjoyed "God Must Really Love Me"-- a great song with soaring vocals and an unusual (but in a good way) arrangement. It was also pretty much ignored by country radio but embraced by Christian stations and even nominated for several Christian music awards (as Morgan proudly told the crowd.)

As I sat in the audience holding my 4-year-old son, who spent the first year of his life in a Russian orphanage but was now ready to sing along to "International Harvester," I and those around us were touched and inspired by the song's testament to faith and blessings. The song felt personal and we in the crowd were proud to share the moment with Morgan.

Despite the August heat and humidity, and a constant barrage of dive-bombing bugs, Morgan was a trooper, just swatting away the insects (and possibly swallowing one or two!) and rocking on. The set had a few very welcome and interesting surprises--beautiful covers of Charlie Rich's "Behind Closed Doors" and Lionel Ritchie's "Easy," both delivered with no country affectations but certainly fitting right in with Morgan's rocking/pop/country set, which included "Rock & Roll Fantasy" as a segue to introducing his talented and versatile band.

Craig Morgan delivered the show his audience expected and loved--including a Blake Shelton joke--and won over a few new fans. Definitely check him out when he comes to your town.

Jake Owen Lets Fans Handle His Award

Jake Owen won his ACM Award for Best New Male Vocalist back in March but didn't actually gets the trophy until he returned home from a long stint on the road last week.

He was so excited to finally get his hands on the fan-voted statuette that he posted a picture of him holding it on Twitter, and then promised to share the honor with his fans who made it possible.

He did just that Saturday night at his show in rural Clarke County, Virginia, his first headlining show his getting the award delivered to him. He showed off the statuette from stage during his show and then invited fans to come by the merchandise table after his set to pose for pictures with him and it.

More than 100 fans (including me) took advantage of the offer, and the photos are posted on his new website, http://jakeowen.net under MEDIA.

My lousy photos are here: http://findingconor.typepad.com/photos/jake_fair1/

--

Follow me!
http://twitter.com/vdobbin

Read my blog!
www.lovemycountrymusic.com

"Guys Like Me" Worship at the Eric Church Altar in MD

Eric Church rocked the Cancun Cantina in Hanover, Maryland. The crowd knew every song and sang at the top of their lungs. And what a crowd! A little slice of redneck heaven just south of Baltimore (who knew?!) with cowboy hats, boots, line dancing and cheap beer -- it was great. The only thing missing was chicken wire between the audience and the stage, but Church was in no danger of being pelted with beer bottles -- the crowd couldn't have been more enthusiastic or adoring.

• Photos Here

I'm a new Eric Church fan and got exactly what I expected from his energetic yet laid-back show. He's a hell of a singer whose Carolina accent that makes every song sound like it comes from small town lessons-learned and real-life experience. Not a false note in the entire 90-minute set.

From the opening notes of "Young and Wild" to the "Guys Like Me" encore, he kept his country rockin' and kept the crowd enthralled. If he truly does "love a good loud honky-tonk that rocks on Friday night" then he got his wish at the Cancun Cantina.

Church didn't spent much time chatting but instead used his music and lyrics to bond with 20-something guys and their drunk girlfriends with songs about love gone wrong, love gone right, small town pride and redneck identity. Oh, and boots, drinking and weed. Lots of drinking and weed.

While Church's songs cover themes common in country music, I would never call them common. Lyrically, every song paints a vivid picture of what seems like -- feels like -- a real person, a real place, a real event that his audience identifies with. Whether it's raising their boots high during "These Boots," raising their beers to the redneck anthem "Guys Like Me" or pulling their girls close during "Love Your Love the Most," the guys in the crowd connected with Church on a level I don't think I've ever seen before. He was singing their lives and they cheered him on with every word, every note.

And amazingly enough, this California-born soccer mom felt the same connection. Chalk it up to the emotion, passion and honesty that comes across in Church's voice, music and lyrics, I left the Cancun Cantina proud to be a redneck and looking forward to sharing that experience again as soon as possible. Anyone up for a road trip to the North Carolina State Fair in October?

Set List:

• Young and Wild
• Pledge Allegiance to the Hag
• How 'Bout You
• Sinners Like Me
• Hell on the Heart
• Can't Take it With You
• Before She Does
• Raise a Little Hell
• These Boots
• It Ain't Killed Me Yet
• Two Pink Lines
• Without You Here
• Livin' Part of Life
• Love Your Love the Most
• Lotta Boot Left to Fill
• Carolina
• Drink a Little Drink, Smoke a Little Smoke
• Guys Like Me

My favorite acts from the 2009 CMA Music Festival in Nashville: Caitlin + Will, Luke Bryan, Love and Theft, Craig Morgan, Jake Owen, David Nail, Due West, Trent Tomlinson, The Carter Twins & more!

Still trying to recover from CMA Music Fest but wanted to recommend some music while it was still fresh in my mind.

Jake Owen - Eight Second Ride  and Don't Think I Can't Love You
His charisma, charm and enthusiasm (not to mention sexy looks and great voice) had the audience on its feet and the ladies swooning. I've never seen anyone have so much fun on stage.

Caitlin + Will - Address in the Sky and Dark Horse
Don't write them off because they won a talent contest, this duo is great. Caitlin's voice is so beautiful alone and when Will comes in, the harmonies will break your heart.

David Nail - Red Light
Another beautiful voice and this beautiful song is not to be missed. I just can't get enough of his haunting vocals and the heartbreaking lyrics. A full CD is promised in August so I can hear more of that amazing voice.

Luke Bryan - All My Friends Say
Like Jake Owen, he was so much fun to watch on stage and really got the crowd going. He can go from party song (All My Friends Say) to beautiful ballad (Do I) and not miss beat. Definitely one to watch.

Craig Morgan - Redneck Yacht Club
OK, Craig Morgan didn't exactly debut at this year's CMA -- he's been around for a dozen or so of them, but he still knows how to entertain a crowd. From leading a sing-along at the Celebrity Softball Tournament, covering John Conley at Blake Shelton's fan club party, and doing his greatest hits at Riverfront Stadium, he always gives the crowd a great show. If you don't know him, give him a listen.

The Carter Twins - Heart Like Memphis
OK, so they're young and cute, but that doesn't mean these boys don't have talent. Can't wait to hear the whole CD -- got a preview at CMT Studios and was greatly impressed by their vocals and songwriting.

Trent Tomlinson - She Just Might Her Radio On and Drunker Than Me
Watch out Toby Keith, Trent Tomlinson is waiting in the wings for be the new country badass who can sing with equal parts attitude and heart.

Love and Theft - Runaway
I love this song! The harmonies remind me of The Eagles but the guitars are all country road. It's just starting to hit country radio -- call and request it!

Due West - I Get That All the Time
Country music with a spiritual heart, and the nicest guys you will ever meet, I think this band has a bright future.

Trailer Choir - Rockin' the Beer Gut
This trio knows how to have fun and poke fun -- the new clowns of country music.

Let me know if you like any of my picks! (And you thought it would be non-stop Blake Shelton!)

CMA Thursday

Highlights:

• Blake Shelton fan club party obviously! --
  It is what originally brought me to to Nashville (more on this later)
• Caitlin & Will at Sommet Plaza
• Joe Holy at Sommet Plaza
• Carter Twins private show
• Due West private show Thursday was amazing.

So much packed into one very long day.

Blake's show was not at all what I expected. The meet & greet was for 100 so no time to chit chat with Blake. Someone took my bag, basically pushed me toward him, arm around me, smile, thanks for LLS donation, NEXT!

The ladies in line were a trip. Many in their 50s, 60s and older, they'd already been partying for days and had days to go! Many had met Blake before and all agreed he is "one hot mess"! So funny!

He wasn't as tall as I'd expected, probably about the same as my 6'3" husband, would be my guess. The concert was 80s country classics including Swinging, I Love a Rainy Night, Goodbye Time (set list below) and a few BS songs--Austin, Some Beach, The More & Drink and Ole Red.

Guests included Craig Morgan, Keith Anderson, Hilary from Lady A, Miranda Lambert and Steve Wariner, who gave Blake his guitar. In all 33 songs and playing til almost 2. Wild!

Started the day with Sommet Plaza shows, including Caitlin and Will and Joe Holy, who was presented a gold record at the enf of his set for Good Morning Beautiful--how old is that song?

Caitlin has such a beautiful, pure voice and Address in the Sky makes me cry every time! Will definitely get their CD. More soon!

1. Tight fitting jeans
2. goodbye time
3. she got the goldmine I got the shaft
4. craig morgan rose colored glasses
5. Megan Sheehan  if it dont come easy let it go
6. baby i lied
7. the more I drink
8. islands in the stream
9. little rock hilary lady a
10. hilary and miranda girls night out
11. ran tx is as close as ive been
12. why you come here looking like that
13. acoustic she wouldnt be gone
14. give me one more chance
15. keith anderson blue skies and tx
16. lousiana saturday night;
17. bs i want to bop w u baby
18. some beach
19. steve wariner lonely women make good lovers
20. i got dreams
21. linda
22. steve and miranda at least i had the weekend
23. steve holes in the floor of heavan;
24. i love a rainy night
25. driving my life away
26. you re the reason god made oklahoma
27. my babys got good timing
28. common man
29. austin
30. ole red
31. swinging

CMA Friday

Another packed day! Up til 3 last night so slept in and missed David Nail but get to see him tomorrow in DC thanks to WMZQ who called me in Nashville to tell me I won front row George Strait/Blake tickets! Is this the best birthday or what!?

Saw Craig Morgan, Randy Houser, Eric Church on the very hot Riverfront Stage, bought some boots and headed to LP Field for tonight's big show.

Luke Bryan was great and broke into Enter Sandman during All My Friends Say-I had just told John I would need to listen to Metallica to cleanse the pallet after all this country music!

Little Big Town was, you know, that country country combo stuff I just don't like but the crowd liked Boondocks.

Then I basically cried throughout Rodney Atkins-- he's an adoptee and adoption advocate so as an adoptive mommy I get to be proud of him. Such a great talent,

Sitting through another band I'm not a fan of--Lady Antebelum. Just have a thing about that kind of group harmony style.

Jake Owen next: I think I may have known him when he was a kid in Vero Beach. I realized this after seeing his video and thing "Wow, that guy''s hot."

Missed most of Zack Brown Band -- really short set and I needed a break from the pervs sitting in front of us. Very strange.

Jason Aldean was great. And late for his won fan club party, which was starting across the street at 11 although he was still playing at 11:15.

Didn't stay for Kid Rock. He's not country and besides, I don't like him in any genre.

Drove around a bit to see Music Square, Tin Roof nightclub, some recording studios, etc.

Such a quick trip -- heading home in the morning. Quick run home and then Davie Nail, George Strait and another Meet and Greet with Blake Shelton. What a week!

CMA Fest Day 1

Loving Nashville. Landing at 1 local time and had a quick lunch before checking into Hutton Hotel, which is just beautiful. A long walk to downtown (we're in the West End near Vanderbilt) but they drove us down and we spent the afternoon listening to bands at Sommet Center. We missed the parade (lots of participants tweeted about it so it was almost like I was there!). LoCash Cowboys were really fun, as were Trent Tomlinson and Jason Michael Carroll

Talked to a couple of girls from Indiana and compared tattoos. One girl had at butterfly on the top of her foot -- ouch!

So far the highlights:

• Caught the end of the free Alan Jackson show at Cadillac Ranch. Cool to see a big star playing in a bar.
• Craig Morgan at the City of Hope Celebrity Softball game leading the crowd singing Redneck Yacht Club.
• Hearing a street perform at 3rd & Broadway singing Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy, which lately for some reason seems to be played over and over again on the radio here and back home.
• Little old lady (at least 80!) in hot pink cowboy hat wearing a "Here for the Party" sticker.

Today we have a scavenger hunt for Due West and a private show with the Carter Twins, then the big Blake Shelton Fan Club Party tonight. Hope to catch Love and Theft at Sommet in a bit.

Let's hope the thunder storms heading this way pass quickly.