Tim McGraw's "Where the Green Grass Grows" captures the essence of country living, with references to faith and family. This city girl has lived in Chicago, Phoenix, Boston, and LA, but I've oft yearned for the simplicity and idyllic side of life in the country. The closest I've come was when I lived in Durham, North Carolina. And it was there that I fell in love with country music. There was this little radio station, WTKK, with a giant velvet Elvis hanging in the nondescript lobby. I actually used to do promos on WTKK's live radio, speaking from a giant microphone. It was surreal. Anyway ... no apologies from me about loving country music or Tim McGraw.
McGraw and his band of what looked liked 11 played to a massive crowd at the USANA Amphitheater in West Valley City on Friday. His genuine, "every day guy" singing songs about every day life charisma is part of the appeal. His music sung from the heart is an easy listen or sing along. Rather than stay on stage, he performed on a walkway in the midst of the audience, jumping down with the crowd, shaking hands, and connecting with his fans. During the Elton John hit "Tiny Dancer," he brought a little girl up to dance with him on his walkway. Every song resonated, communicated, and touched.
As I listened, I wondered, what would it be like to be in a different town every night, wear jeans and a t-shirt to work, and pull in a multi-million doing it. It may look easy, but evidences of flawless execution were everywhere. The stage set up, the band, McGraw's spontaneity, his interactions with the audience. And of course, the lyrics and music itself.
With nearly a dozen number one albums, McGraw is one of the most decorated of country music stars (or music stars of any stripe, for that matter), and he had a lot of material to choose from. The hits just kept on coming and coming. At one point, he mentioned he was not going to waste people's time talking when they came to hear him sing. And he didn't. All in all, an amazing evening.
Disclosure: I was a volunteer at this concert. I received NO compensation for this review.
No comments:
Post a Comment