Clint Black is one of those good things in life that it was easy to recognize when it came along. Always a fan, I had never had the opportunity to see him live on stage. Hearing that he would be coming to the Turning Stone this year was a huge highlight, and one I knew I wanted to bring to the readers.
Growing up in the south you learn to appreciate the culture that surrounds you. It’s the driving force for everything they represent. Whether it’s culinary, historical, or musical, the culture becomes a part of who you are and how you think south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Times in the south seem as though they are in slow motion, or as they often joke, they just like to take their time. It’s this slow down, smell the roses attitude that keeps what’s important in life in perspective. This perspective also helps you to recognize and appreciate the good things in life when they come along.
Clint Black at The Turning Stone
Over the last 25 years, Clint has accumulated quite the playlist of hits (19 number one singles), shelves of awards (5 ACM’s, 1 AMA, 2 CMA’s), and carved out a name for himself in country music (member of Grand Ole Opry 1991). Clint’s traditional sound with a modern twist made him a crowd favorite since his first album Killing Time hit the airwaves back in 1989. Hitting number one with the songs first release, “A Better Man”, it was the first time in 14 years that a country musician had debuted and hit number one right out of the gate. That album went on to produce five top ten hits, with “A Better Man” and “Killing Time” taking spots one and two for best country songs for the year 1989. The CMA’s Horizon Award recipient in 1989, Clint continued his career over the next 25 years collecting hit after hit, the majority he penned himself. An accomplished songwriter, he continued in the music business establishing his own label, Equity Music Group, after he and wife, Lisa Hartman Black, welcomed their daughter Lily in 2001.
Clint Black at The Turning Stone
As Clint took the Showroom stage, it was his slowed down, back to basics acoustic sound that set the tone for the night, and told the story of what country music represents to him, and how he has become a representative in country music. As he sat there strumming the guitar, playing his harmonica, and singing to the crowd, the words and the melody resonated and transported you back to another time and place in country music. Still sporting his black cowboy hat and his charming smile, Clint reminisced about days gone by, musicians that inspired him, and paid homage through music to the basic country roots that motivated it all. He was simply amazing. His one on one rapport with the audience was genuine and really demonstrated his love of his music and sharing it with those lucky enough to sit and listen with him. Joined after the first few numbers by his road band, this show gave you a small taste of what you may experience on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry with the back woods Appalachian sound of the roots of country music, to a modern-day sound of country music with a full band twist. Clint Black, recognized with a star on the Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, is truly a country super star. With a non-stop touring schedule that hasn’t slowed down since his first release, it was certainly my pleasure to be able to catch his performance at The Turning Stone for our readers. Although it was my first Clint Black experience, it certainly won’t be my last.
It has been a pleasure over the last year to work with Ben Mauro. A native of Syracuse, Ben has followed his dream all over the world playing music along with some of the greatest musicians ever. Currently touring with Lionel Richie, Ben has had the opportunity to work together with some major stars in the business such as Kelly Clarkson, Brittany Spears, and John Fogerty to just name a few.
Lionel Richie – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Over the last year Ben has been working on some of his own music. At an EP Release party back in May, Ben shared a taste of what was to come to a sold out crowd at Shifty’s. The music was awesome, and left listeners in high anticipation for the final release. Home for the holidays, Ben’s album release is finally here. At The Palace Theater this Saturday, December 6, fans will finally be able to get their copy of this talented musicians final cut.
Ben Mauro Album Release
Joining Ben on stage will be the SAMMY Award winning backup band, Phoenix Eleven, who also are on hiatus from touring. With Greg “Goose” LaPoint on drums, Joe Grosvent on bass, and Max McKee on guitar and vocals, they will be joined by special guests Deyquan and Yajha Bowens on keyboards and vocals, Al Cutri on saxophone and lifelong friends Peter McMahon and Paulie Cerra.
Phoenix Eleven – Ben Mauro Album Release
Tickets can be purchased on his website or at the door, if still available. Don’t wait to the last minute to share this special evening with Syracuse’s finest musicians in celebration of music and holiday cheer.
The highly anticipated announcement of where and when Garth Brooks will return in Upstate New York has finally been announced. Four shows will be help March 6 and 7, 2015 at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo. Together with his wife, Trisha Yearwood, Garth will perform a 6pm and 10:30pm each day.
Fans have eagerly been awaiting this announcement since his press conference on July 9, 2014. Rather than announcing all cities at once, Garth has kept his fans on the edge of their seats with announcements of each city one at a time. His absence certainly is apparent as his shows have been selling out in each city so far.
Tickets go on sale this week, December 5th at 10am. The total price of $66.25 will include taxes, facility fees and service charge. Garth prides himself and promised his fans to keep it affordable so that everyone could come to the shows. What a perfect Christmas gift! His shows do not disappoint.
Update: Due to the amazing response to Garth Brooks’ return to Buffalo, New York, two more dates have been added to accommodate fans. Tickets will now be available for Thursday March 5 at 7:30pm and Sunday March 8 at 8pm. Please make sure once you have purchased your tickets to take note of special instructions to make your experience the best possible for all.
In a very special press release this morning, the Oncenter together with AEG Live will bring the One Night Live tour to the Syracuse Oncenter War Memorial Arena January 22, 2015. Country superstars Lee Brice and Chris Young will be joined by the Osborne Brothers in what is expected to be one of the years best live shows in Central New York.
Tickets to the show will go on sale Friday, December 5 at noon. Tickets to the show cost $41.50, $37 and $31.50 (additional fees may apply); they will be available in person at the Solvay Bank Box Office at The Oncenter (760 S. State Street), charge by phone 315.435.2121 or online via Ticketmaster.com.
Brice released his debut album, Love Like Crazy, in 2009. The title track reached #3 on the Billboard Country chart and set a record as the longest-charting song in that chart’s history. In 2012, he topped his own success with Hard 2 Love, an album that went Gold and featured three #1 Country singles, including “I Drive Your Truck,” which won Song of the Year at both the CMA and ACM Awards. The record earned raves from NPR to Country Weekly and found the New York Times hailing him as “a sensitive macho man,” a compliment that perfectly encapsulates both sides of Brice’s persona. Hard 2 Love also garnered Lee his late-night debut with a stirring performance of “I Drive Your Truck” on NBC’s “The Tonight Show.” Brice took it a step further on his latest album, I Don’t Dance, relishing the role of producer with flair of experimentation. For more information on Lee Brice, visit www.leebrice.com .
Young released his self-titled debut album in 2006. The album produced two singles on the Billboard Country chart: “Drinkin’ Me Lonely” and “You’re Gonna Love Me.” He released his second album, The Man I want to Be, in 2009; from this album the singles “Voices,” “Gettin’ You Home” and the title track all went #1. Young’s third album, Neon, produced two more number one hits: “Tomorrow” and “You” in 2011 along with the Top 20 hit “I Can Take It From There” in 2012. Most recently, Young’s 2013 album, A.M., has produced three Top 5 hits: “Aw Naw,” “Who I Am with You” and “Lonely Eyes.” For more information on Chris Young, visit www.chrisyoungcountry.com.
Toby Keith‘s I Love This Bar & Grill in Syracuse has been a mecca for country music artists and fans to come together and have a chance to celebrate country music since it’s opening at Destiny USA. Bringing in national acts all year long, it was a thrill for NYS Music to be able to cover The Swon Brothers as they played on October 3, 2014.
Best known for their third place finish on season four of The Voice as part of team Blake, this dynamic duo has set the country music world on it’s ear since that time with their new album, The Swon Brothers, which their single “Later On” shot up the charts right away.
Zach and Colton Swon, graciously agreed to speak with NYS Music prior to their show, to say hello to all our country music fans here in Central New York.
Kathy Stockbridge: Thank you for agreeing to doing an interview with NYS Music…..Our readers are huge country music fans.
Zach and Colton Swon – (SB): Thanks for having us.
KS: Music has been a major part of your life. Talk to us a little about growing up in a musical family.
SB: Growing up in a musical family was pretty fun. It was pretty fun, we really didn’t have any other choice. From day one, we both grew up on a tour bus. My parents had a southern gospel group and went from church to church on weekends. That’s really all we’ve ever known.
KS: So you’ve been on the stage since a young age.
SB: Yeah, we just thought that was part of life.
KS: That’s sounds like a fun childhood. Now I read that one of your major influences in your music were The Eagles. Talk to me a little about what stood out about The Eagles and their style of music that is carried through today in your work?
SB: Well a lot of things. First and foremost are their harmonies. Nobody did it like them. Their harmonies are spot on. I have watched multiple videos and documentaries and they focused more on that during rehearsal than any other part of their show. The other thing is their stylistic differences in songs. They can go from “Life In The Fast Lane” which is really rocking to “Peaceful Easy Feeling” which sounds like a classic country song. But no matter what they were doing, you knew it was The Eagles because of those harmonies they put on top. That’s kinda the approach we took to our record, that’s coming out on the 14th. The songs musically are all over the map, but I think they sound like they go together because our harmony sets on top.
KS: Do you have other musical influences in your life that stood out as you were growing up?
SB: Oh yeah, there are tons. Growing up we did everything from Merel Haggard and George Jones to Michael Jackson. There are so many that have influenced us over the years. Even gospels groups, like Kenny Hinson and some artists you’ve probably never even heard of. So it’s been a wide variety of people who have influenced us…ELVIS…loved Elvis.
KS: Who doesn’t love Elvis?
SB: Right!
KS: Talk to me a little about your experience on The Voice.
SB: Tell ya what, Blake Shelton…well first of all The Voice in general and everyone involved with that production are amazing. From the guy driving the van, to the Executive Producer Mark Burnett, they are all amazing. They really want to see everyone succeed. It’s a great, great program they have for artists that want to get out there. We were lucky enough to have Blake Shelton as a coach.
KS: Yeah, talk to me a little about being on Blake’s team.
SB: Working with Blake was like working with a crazy uncle or big brother ya know. He always kept it lighthearted and left a lot of the stress out. Really it should have been a pretty stressful situation, but working with Blake made it a lot easier. I think one day he brought us in and was making fun of Usher and his coaching habits…all the physical activities that they did so Blake made us do some shake weights with him as a workout, as a new coaching method. You just never knew about him.
KS: He seems like a fun guy, a cut up.
SB: Oh, everything you think Blake Shelton would be like, he’s like.
KS: Whirlwind, ever since the end of The Voice you guys have been a huge whirlwind with a new album coming out this month. Talk to me a little about life after The Voice and this whirlwind you are on right now touring with your new album coming out.
SB: More than anything we are just really thankful for this opportunity. We’ve been trying this way before The Voice, and it’s been a great platform and opened doors. We’ve met a lot of great people along that way that have helped us, like Blake and Miranda, and Carrie Underwood has been in our corner as well.
KS: That’s right, she’s from your neck of the woods.
SB: We have been really, really blessed this year and we’ve put our heart and soul into the record, we picked the songs we thought fit us best and we were able to work with a great producer and put out our first single and support has been phenomenal.
KS: I love it BTW.
SB: Thank you …and we just got nominated for a CMA Award.
KS: Yes, I saw that. congratulations.
SB: Yeah, it’s crazy. This whole year seems like ..
KS: Surreall isn’t it?
SB: Every week something happens and we’re like, man how did we get here. We’re very grateful.
KS: Well we love ya, and we’re right behind ya cheering you on!!. I do something I call a social speed round…random questions that are fun and give our readers an insight into you on a personal level. Mind playing along?
SB: Let’s do it!
KS: One word that you would describe yourself?
SB: (Colton) Awkward (Zach) Confident
KS: Okay Zach, one word you would use to describe Colton
SB: (Zach) Mom. He’s the “Mom, the worrier”.
KS: Okay, Colton one word to describe Zach.
SB: (Colton) One word to describe Zach Swon…hairy.
KS: What’s your guilty pleasure:
SB: (Colton) Miley Cyrus’s “Party In the USA”
KS: Haha, I love it! And Zach…
SB: (Zach) Well, it’s not on anymore but I hated the fact that I loved watching “Jersey Shore”. I don’t know why, I got mad at myself every time it came on..
KS: Deer in the headlights huh?
SB: (Zach) Yep, but I watched every episode.
KS: You’re on the road, you see this, you have to pull off. No if, ands, or buts. You must detour!!
SB: Graceland
KS: What’s on your iPod right now? What ya listening to?
SB: (Colton) I just downloaded the Blake Shelton CD, Bringing Back The Sunshine, Miranda Lambert’s new album, and there are Kings of Leon..
KS: I love Kings of Leon..
SB: (Colton) And there’s even a little Daft Punk. (Zach) I’ve actually been listening to the new Tim McGraw album, I love it.
KS: Great choices you guys! Okay now..favorite movie?
SB: (Colton) I’m gonna go, Dumb and Dumber (Zach) I have a tie between Jerry McGuire and That Thing You Do.
KS: Thank you guys so much.
As I left the dressing room, I had just witnessed a taste of what these two brothers share night after night on stage with their fans. Their playful, energetic personalities come across as they converse with their audience. Each and every night they share pieces of themselves to those they play for. This quality of bearing it all on stage is what makes them so appealing.
Opening for The Swon Brothers this evening were local favorites, The Fulton Chain Gang. Together now for years, these five men continue to entertain audiences all over the state with their modern country and southern rock style. With Nick Bontempo (lead vocals, guitars), Mark Werchowski (lead guitar, vocals), Dennis Buczek (pedal steel guitar), Dave Montany (bass, vocals)and Brian Spoor on (Drums), they played both classic traditional country and modern country hits and warmed up this crowd for the awaiting brothers.
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As the two brothers and their band took the stage, they came out like gang busters playing some of their original songs mixed with an array of covers of all genres. You could tell the musical influences that played a part in finding their sound. With a mix of The Temptations, “My Girl”, George Jone’s “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”, and throw in a little Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishin’ In The Dark” (in which the entire crowd sang along to) they demonstrated their musical range and adaptability as true musicians. I must duly note as well, that their ability to harmonize is astounding. As unique as each brother is singly, together they have a harmonic chemistry that is untouchable.
They wore the stage like a pair of comfortable jeans. This stage presence comes from being on stage for their entire lives I’m sure. As they bantered back and forth with each other, band mates, and even audience members, they demonstrated how to them, the stage is their home away from home. They sang a happy birthday to an audience member, put their bass player on the spot to sing (in which he hit it out of the park, great job Seth), and had the audience eating out of the palms of their hands in no time.
As a child of the 80’s I have to say my personal favorites, and they nailed them, were The Eagles, “Life In The Fast Lane,” Boston’s “Long Time” and Tom Petty’s, “American Girl”. Excellent choices to close out this show. By the time they came to their current hit, “Later On,” these gentlemen had the audience transfixed. How could you not love these two? With the looks that garnered them a spot in People’s Sexiest Men issue, the smiles that melt your grandma’s heart, and voices that can croon and rock, it’s apparent why they are one of country music’s favorite duo’s on the rise.
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Farewell was bid on October 29, 2014 to Mötley Crüe as they made their farewell appearance here locally at the Oncenter Event Center in Syracuse, NY. One of the smallest venues they played across the nation, Syracuse was super psyched and honored to be on the list of cities they were visiting.
As the smallest venue they were playing, they were unable to construct the amazing roller coaster drum kit assembly that allowed Tommy Lee to fly through the air upside down from one side of the arena to the other while playing, but even without that, their light show and pyrotechnics were one of the most amazing spectacles to see and they entertained the packed crowd.
Having signed a contract that this truly was their final tour, I was super pumped to see that they were coming through the area and making a stop locally. One of only three media passes for the evening I was honored they trusted me to capture their night here. I’m certain over the years they have accumulated photo after photo depicting their life on the road, so when granted access to photograph them from the sound board for the first song, I was up to challenge to capture something usable to share with NYS Music readers. After all, they had no idea how many photos this gal could capture in a three minute time frame. I so had this covered. Bring it guys. This would be my first and only attempt to capture a memorable photo of them, and when I arrived at the soundboard and saw that the only thing in between myself and the band was 100 feet distance, and 800 fans with large hair and rocking hands holding cell phones and beers in the air, my challenge increased. Standing precariously on the back of a folding chair that kept moving, I inched my way over the top of the 6 foot 5 inch hard rocking biker dude and his leather clad girlfriend to capture these moments. Unfortunate for me, Vince Neil wouldn’t stand still and Tommy Lee was incased in a haze of fog, but fortunately for me as accident prone as I am, I didn’t fall and break my camera equipment. Always must save the equipment. Thank goodness Nikki Sixx and Mick Mars were stationary. Thank you guys, as you were my targets for the night. It didn’t matter if I had an $8,000 lens or a $100 lens, the shots were not happening for me. I left deflated and discouraged. I had met my match. The Crüe had triumphed over me and my journey to capture them on tour. Well played guys, well played.
As I left the arena, I was disappointed. I felt as though I had let down my readers and let down the venue. Thinking to myself, why wouldn’t they want these moments captured…why wouldn’t they want Syracuse to remember them in the best possible light? Those in the pit could take blurry cell phone images and videos to plaster all over social media, depicting them randomly and in only as good a light as pixelly possible, however those trained in capturing moments and publishing in the best possible way were shut out. I’m sure it’s most likely because,… yeah sorry can’t figure it out. They were not camera shy with reality shows, viral videos, and magazine after magazines covering them over the years. So I pose this question to them, why not let your public relive your final moments time and time again in the best possible light by allowing me to be in the pit getting some mind blowing photos you could flashback to after the tour was over? Whatever the reason was, I could not succeed on this particular challenge. So as a disclaimer, although the shots are usable, I really could have done so much better. Crüe, if you are reading this, give me another chance to put me back in the game. I can do it coach. Put me in the pit, and see what you get!
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The highlights of my evening came from the opening acts. Alice Cooper and The Raskins made my night. You guys truly rock. Shooting the first few songs from the pit, they played to the cameras, and gave us a show to share with the readers. Find below a few moments of the evening capturing their amazing sets, costuming, and rocking moments. Loved every last second in the pit. Crüe I truly can do better. Just try me! Give me a “Crüe” over!
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We all have that one artist/group that no matter how many times you change out your playlist on your iPod, they always make the cut to the new playlist. Lonestar is that group for me. They have always been a favorite of mine, with an amazing 22 years in the business and celebrating their 20th Anniversary together as a group, I was extremely excited, and a tad nervous to be able to have a chance to do an interview with them at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort Showroom on their recent visit to Central New York.
Lonestar – Turning Stone
Kathy Stockbridge: Happy Anniversary you guys! Twenty years are amazing…what is that you guys credit as your secret to longevity?
Lonestar: Beer and pizza…restraining orders…arm wrestling…lots of things…sense of humor mostly.
KS: Exactly…think that’s it!! One of my favorite songs of yours is “I’m Already There”..tell me a little about the process of writing that, what it means to you, and how did it evolve?
LS: ( Richie McDonald) It evolved out of the lives we live on the road away from our families and being gone. We had been gone about six weeks and I called home one night, and our kids were little back then, Brett was four and that sweet little voice says “Daddy When You Coming Home?” and that’s where the expression came from. Ya know, it’s a song we live night after night and we dedicate it to the men and women in our military.
KS: Yes, the song evolved into a new meaning afterwards. It began as a song about your lives on the road and then after playing overseas for the military it took on a whole new meaning.
LS: The song came out in 2001 right before 9/11 and they spend a lot more time away from their families than we do and it just made a connection with their families while being away.
KS: It’s a beautiful song, true hit. Another favorite is “Front Porch Looking In” , one of my favorite videos.
LS: That was Trey Fanjoy I believe. She had done “Amazed” for us and “Smile” also for us. Great director in Nashville, she shot out just past Leiper’s Fork in Nashville at the time seemed like in the middle of nowhere …we were going “where in the heck are we”, now I live somewhat close to there so it doesn’t seem so far out there any more. Such as great video because it allowed us to be outstanding in our field…we really were out standing in a field…but then they had that awesome house they filmed all the family scenes and stuff with the carrot top and all..then downtown Nashville they built a façade of the same house and the people are looking through it and see us in the field and then we’re in the city..it was a pretty cool concept.
KS: You also did a best hits album where you did a cover of Marc Cohen’s “Walking in Memphis”. I absolutely love that song, …it’s along the same lines of your music…it’s heartfelt…talk t me a little about what made you choose that one?
LS: The first two years we were together we played clubs and bars for four or five nights a week, and so we had four hours of music to play and that was one of the songs we would play right from the beginning. After we got our record deal we stopped doing all the cover songs, but cut to a few years later and we’re in Memphis, TN getting ready to do a benefit for St. Jude’s down on Beale Street, so during our soundcheck we thought this would be a good time to do “Walking in Memphis” because we were right there on Beale…so we started doing it. One of the label guys that was there for the St. Jude’s show said ya’ll should record that. We started doing it in our live shows, and it just became something we wanted to put out.
KS: So you’ve done 20 years (as Michael whispers t me…22)..I mean 22 years of music, with hit after hit…is there any collaboration you would still like to do at this point in your careers?
LS: With other writers?
KS: Other writers, artists…you see a lot of inter mixing these days with rap and country and rock and country…did you do a Crossroads yet?
LS: We’ve never done a Crossroads…we talked about doing one with Matchbox 20 but we couldn’t schedule it.
KS: Oh…we need to do that.
LS: You need to make that happen Kathy!! Any of the people on these walls (as they point to the posters at the Turning Stone of all the great artists that have played there)…(sure wish I could arrange it for them..would love to see that)
KS: Okay..I’ll see what I can do!! Okay getting the sign that I need to wrap this up…do you guys mind doing my social speed round…a series of questions that have nothing to do with music and give insight into your lives as normal joes?
LS: Sure
KS: You are on the road and see this…you make the bus driver pull over.
LS: Lotta Burger!!! (in unison)
KS: If given the chance, your crew would say you are __________.
LS: AWESOME!!!!! ..fun…witty..incredibly handsome…incredibly talented…demanding…(and a few others I promised to edit out )
KS: What are you listening to on your iPod right now?
LS: New Tom Petty album…the new Black Keys…
KS: Most outrageous place you’ve played?
LS: The Gorge…it wasn’t outrageous but it was incredible….outrageous would be the air craft carrier…USS Truman in Ft. Lauderdale..it was cool.
Completing the interview, the guys took a moment to say hi to our readers and give their opinion on live music…
After such a fun interview with what obviously is a fun-loving group of guys, I couldn’t wait to see their live performance. With a mix of their Grammy award-winning hits and some new music on the set list, it was bound to be a stellar performance.
Opening with my personal favorites No News, Front Porch, and Mr. Mom, they came out of the gate strong. They were as personable with their audience as they had been with me, cracking jokes left and right. It was more than obvious to me why these four men had weathered the test of time. Not only were they amazing musicians, but they truly loved their audience and what they did.
It was their new music though that really struck a chord with me. They are the most amazing songwriters and composers. My favorite new song has to be “Just The Rain”. It is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. They write and compose the most beautiful ballads ever. They are so heartfelt. They say how we feel through music and words in a way that touches each of us as though they wrote the song personally for us. That is a gift. Writing catchy tunes is one thing, delivering heartfelt emotion, a whole different ballgame. It elevates them to a league all their own.
As they began singing “Walking In Memphis” I was super stoked. Marc Cohen’s song was done absolute justice. Some songs when covered are good, but not right for those doing the cover. That was not the case in this instance. Their soulful rendition nailed it.
As they closed the show with The Beatles “Get Back” they had the crowd on their feet dancing along and cheering for more as they left the stage. When they returned to the stage for the encore, Richie began to serenade the front table with their Grammy Award winning song, “Amazed”. It’s this personal touch that makes a really good show, a great show. It’s the interaction and connection of performer and audience that I look for when reviewing a show. A really great show makes that connection and makes their audience feel like they were part of the show.
Lonestar – Turning Stone
It was the final number though that really was the icing on the cake. They closed out their show with a mash-up of a rock medley that I have to say was the best closing numbers I’ve ever heard performed. With a mix of Pink Floyd’s, “Another Brick In the Wall” ZZ Top’s “Gimme All Your Lovin,” Thin Lizzy’s “Boy’s Are Back in Town” and finishing it out with Kiss’s “Rock and Roll All Night” they demonstrated to me why they are Grammy award-winning artists and performers, as they incited the crowd and left them on a musical high that no drug could ever achieve.
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Set List:
No News> Front Porch> Mr. Mom> If It Wasn’t For You> Coming Home> Mountains> Everything’s changed> Already There> Pretty Good Day> You Walked In> Tell Her> Just the Rain> Memphis Party All Day> What About Now> With Me> How Can She Be> Get Back/No News Reprise> Amaze> Rock Medley
The Doobie Brothers Southbound features some of country music’s legendary performers such as Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Sara Evans, with some of today’s most talented newcomers, such as The Zac Brown Band, Hunter Hayes, Chris Young, Casey James, Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann, Sudano Ramirex of Johnnyswim, and Charlie Worsham. Without even hearing one note on the album, I was anxious to see what I had in store with this who’s who of guest appearances.
When I heard that The Doobie Brothers were making a greatest hits album and invited some of today’s most talented country singers to accompany them, I was over the moon thrilled. I immediately flashed back on one of my favorite albums, Common Thread, from 1993, where country music greats came together to record some of The Eagles most loved tunes of the 70’s. There is just something about the rock of the 70’s and today’s country music that blends the two perfectly into a classic sound.
The album starts out with “Black Water” (with Zac Brown Band); this has to be one of my favorite all time Doobie Brothers tunes. I can think of no other country group I would love to accompany them today on the song. Always thought Zac’s voice was reincarnated from the 70’s rock era, a James Taylor sound for sure. The Zac Brown Band’s southern laidback sound combines perfectly together with the bluesy groove of the music and lyrics to deliver an over the top remix that possibly is better than the original. “Black Water”, originally the B-side of the release of ”Another Park, Another Sunday”, was written and performed by Patrick Simmons, who once again nails the tune confirming any doubt that B-sides were most definitely worth the listen.
Tom Johnson’s tune, “Listen to the Music”, features Blake Shelton accompanying on lyrics and Hunter Hayes on guitar. This song, one of the first big hits of The Doobie Brothers career, remains a staple as an encore song at all of their live shows. Originally written as a tribute to peace at a time of influx in the world, the idea of all those in power were to take a moment to just come together and listen to the music, a universal language, perhaps peace could be attained; it sounds like a message that still holds true today. With Blake Shelton’s strong lyrics accompanying Tom Johnson on vocals, the duo deliver a one-two punch that sends the message as the newcomer Hunter Hayes shreds the guitar like the pro he is. This rockabilly sound sends a message still today that no matter what generation hears it or performs it, the message is timeless and the concept of a universal language of peace is attainable if we could all just find a common ground in music.
The next track on the new album, “What a Fool Believes”, is a Grammy Award winning hit of the Doobie Brothers and happens to be one of the only non-disco number one hits of 1979. Written by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald, this commercial hit was an example of how The Doobie Brothers were able to maintain their own unique sound while accomplishing commercial success during a time where rock and roll was not in the forefront on commercial radio. With Sara Evans accompanying Michael McDonald on “What a Fool Believes”, this track is yet another perfect pairing of musicians showcasing and blending together their voices in perfect unison.
For country music lovers, Toby Keith is the epitome of a regular guy that pulls no punches. His in your face, this is what I am, and this is what I represent personality is the perfect pairing for The Doobie Brothers on “Long Train Runnin”. It could be the harmony, the rocking guitar, the awesome harmonica, or the upbeat melody, but this song, like Toby, pulls no punches and delivers the perfect example of timeless classic rock and the perfect combination of country music today and how rock and roll of the 70’s has influenced so many country artists today.
Chris Young, one of today’s up-and-coming country artists, who won the competition ‘Nashville’, is tearing up the charts with hits and as he accompanies The Doobie Brothers on “China Grove”, it’s evident why he is one of today’s country greats. As he sings together with The Doobie Brothers, I can barely tell where they end and he begins as they seamlessly harmonize on this 1973 hit. I must point here that on this song especially, it is a shining example of how absolutely talented The Doobie Brothers are in their songwriting and instrumental composition. On this number, it is as though each instrument is a feature instrument, however together they are a harmony. There are moments that the bass is strong and the underlying bass and percussion take center stage. Then there are parts where you hear keyboards foremost in the spotlight. When you think you can’t get any better, they break out in a guitar solo. I love this song as it’s upbeat and catchy, but I truly appreciate this song as its composition is epic.
The next track, written and performed with Love & Theft, “Take It To the Streets”, was another example of great pairing. Michael has a very distinctive voice, and the vocal accompaniment by Eric & Stephen was spot on, together with some outstanding guitar accompaniment.
For those of you unfamiliar with Casey James, he is the very talented country musician best known from American Idol’s ninth season. On “Jesus is Just Alright”, The Doobie Brothers version of the Arthur Reid Reynolds song, Casey’s amazing guitar abilities are emphasized. At one point in time, Casey was unsure of his ability to be able to play guitar again. Suffering major damage after a crippling motorcycle accident, Casey’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle. I find it refreshing as I realized how The Doobie Brothers were able to embrace their faith during a time where faith was questioned by many in the 70’s, and fitting this song was for Casey’s accompaniment.
Another Tom Johnson song, this time he is joined by one of Country’s biggest stars, Brad Paisley on “Rocking Down the Highway”. is a feel good song written by Tom in the early Doobie Brothers days and just up Brad’s alley, as it features not only his amazing vocals, but also his talents on the guitar.
“Take Me In Your Arms”, finds The Doobie Brothers joined by newcomer Tyler Farr. With his raspy voice, the soulful sound of this R&B tune mixes perfectly with Tyler’s style of rock and delivered with heartfelt emotions that mixes country and rock to make the trifecta of musical composition.
Joined by Jerrod Niemann on “South City Midnight Lady” and released on their third album The Captain and Me in 1973, this beautiful ballad is unique to the style of The Doobie Brothers, being melodic and slower paced than other hit songs. However when it comes to love ballads, Jerrod Niemann is your man to deliver, and deliver they all did.
For those of you not familiar yet with Johnnyswim, you will be in for a treat as Amanda Sudano Ramirex of Johnnys sings on their mega hit “You Belong to Me”. And if that wasn’t enough, let’s just throw in a touch of Vince Gill’s guitar, who is one of the best musicians in Nashville, to really tear it up like no other can. Super sexy was this rendition of the song as Sudano accompanies Michael McDonald in this duet.
Another newcomer is Charlie Worsham. He’s one of those country performers that takes his musical ability and goes right out in the audience with his banjo/ganjo/guitar and makes you part of the song. This is no different as he plays on “Nobody”, a perfect song for Charlie, and to close out this outstanding album.
The Doobie Brothers
As I wrap up listening to this remarkable collaborative effort, I feel as though I am experiencing one of the greatest times in country music as we see those rock stars of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s becoming part of a new country experience. With a basis in blues, jazz, rock, and bluegrass, this Southern rock style that was once indicative of the 1970’s is now becoming the trend in today’s country music. You see many of these rock and country collaborations on CMT’s Crossroads. Their ability to pair the perfect rock group and country musician to cross perform songs of each other is truly one of my favorites. It’s the marriage of the best of both worlds into one spectacular sound. As most genres, it evolves, taking on new characteristics of other influences. But one thing holds true. Music is a common language to those on both sides of the microphone. Tune in November 5 as The Doobie Brothers perform live at this years CMA Awards together with some of todays biggest country artists around.
Key Tracks: Black Water, Long Train Running, You Belong To Me
As a journalist you do your best to maintain a level of objectivity when dealing with anyone you cover for a story. You want to bring a story that is not only factual, but without a spin in one direction so that the reader can come to their own conclusions. However sometimes you just can’t help yourself when you meet them in person. This is what happened with me after speaking with Eric Paslay, and seeing him perform at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill in Syracuse, September 20, 2014. I was totally impressed by this young man.
This would be the second time covering the musician for an event (Taste of Country Music Festival) and I was looking forward to both the performance and our scheduled phone interview. Many times these interviews happen to be right before a show, or in between sound checks. With such a busy schedule, when I received the call around 10am, it was a nice surprise.
Eric Paslay – Toby Keith’s Syracuse
Kathy Stockbridge: Hi, is this Eric? How are you? Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview with NYS Music.com.
Eric Paslay: Good Morning.
KS: Well Good Morning to you as well! You’re up early!! I didn’t expect you to be up so early.
EP: Oh yeah, we get up early. I would rather be awake for life.
KS: Welcome to NYS Music and again thank you for agreeing to do this interview for our readers. You’ve been on quite a whirlwind of a tour this year…talk to me a little about the highlights of the tour and some of your favorite moments.
EP: I think this has been the busiest touring year of my life, and it’s been cool. We go from town to town and see the same hearts and souls in each town but with a little bit of different backdrop which is kinda cool. I like getting off the bus and trying to wander around town if there is one. A lot the fairs and festivals that we play though there is not a lot around it other than the fair. Still, I try to walk around there if I can. I think the coolest thing though is this year is the first year I’ve had a hit as an artist, which I’ve been working towards my whole career, and I’m glad people are singing along to songs that I have written and now to songs that I’ve recorded myself.
KS: That’s awesome…I often wondered if you have the opportunity to get off the bus and get out there to meet the people and take advantage of places you are visiting. It’s nice to know you are able to take advantage of that and getting to know the areas you are touring as well. I actually covered your show at The Taste of Country Festival which was a scream…it was my first country festival I’ve been too…was totally off the wall, with more than 40,000 people.
EP: Yeah..that was a cool show!
KS: ..and was a lot of fun. Was that the first time you had been up this way to Central NY?
EP: No I’ve been up there before…That was my first time at The Taste of Country, but I have been touring around the country for about four years now, but I’m getting to play the big shows now.
KS: Well you did a great job..I really enjoyed your set.
EP: Thanks.
KS: And I’m looking forward to seeing you this Saturday at Toby Keith’s, and I do believe I’ll get to see you again in November when you visit my local area at the Utica Aud with Dierks Bentley and his Riser Tour.
EP: That will be a good tour!
KS: You have a huge country music fan base here in this area….do you see similarities with people in the different communities you come to, or differences as you travel around?
EP: You know, what I’ve learned is around the US people are taught to listen to you differently. Some people are there for the party, and they still love you being there…it doesn’t matter if your George Straight on the stage.. they’re not really watching you or listening to much..they are, but they aren’t. Then there’s other parts of the country where they’re just as quiet as can be with their arms crossed staring at you. You not quite sure what they are thinking, but they are soaking it up and loving it. I think that’s the coolest thing..sometimes a lot of new artists on the road think “wow, that crowd hated us”, then they go to the meet and greet line and see what they really thought. As the fans tell you that was the best show ever, they don’t even know how to react. It’s also really cool to go out there and start understanding your listeners. Not everyone listens the same way…that’s what makes us as unique which is a pretty cool thing. And it’s not a bummer when people go all nuts also!
KS: Do you feed off the audience when that happens?
EP: Oh absolutely, I don’t think a football player isn’t going to run as fast as he can and hit as hard as he can with an empty stadium.
KS: Absolutely!
EP: It’s nice when the crowd is cheering for you.
KS: I personally love your writing style. You mentioned once in another interview that you try to leave some hope in all songs even the sad ones. Is writing cathartic to you? Do you write to tell a message, or get feelings out, or what is your writing process?
EP: You know, a lot of times I try to have messages like you will get through this, and it’s okay to feel this way, and also let’s just rock it tonight. I tend not to write selfishly. Music is a very influential thing, and I hope I get to stick around and influence people for good for a while.
KS: I predict you will. You have written a lot of songs that have been recorded by others. Talk to me a little about your inspirations, and do they play a part in your writing style and your performance?
EP: I tended to just listen to music that I dug, and if it sounded good,I turned it up. Somehow God blessed me with the ability to write songs. To be able to walk in a room with nothing and not even an idea, as I write so much, you walk in and start playing a melody and you know within a few hours a songs written. The cool thing about a song is you never know where it’s going to end up. I’ve learned through a lot of my other songs being recorded, that some times it’s not up to us how a song gets heard, and especially how a song gets famous. It can be frustrating if you try to make sense of it all. Other than you swing the bat and sometimes people see the home run go over the fence, and sometimes you’re in the stadium alone. And that’s alright. You just keep swinging the bat, and maybe people will be around when you hit the home run.
KS: Well you are originally from Texas, the Austin area, which is hugely known as a musical mecca. Have you had an opportunity to perform in and around Austin?
EP: Yeah, its wild. I wrote a song for the Eli Young Band called “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”, and the second verse is “downtown is where I used wander, old enough to get there, but too young to get inside”. That was kinda me and Austin, Texas. I was 20 years old walking up and down 6th Street trying to get gigs for me and my band. But, I couldn’t even get in to see the club owner because I wasn’t old enough to get in. But we did play some shows around there. I moved up to Nashville when I was 20 years old though, so I wasn’t a big part of the scene at all. I was still trying to figure out who I was musically at that time as well.
KS: Now you had the opportunity to play at the Opry..talk to me a little about that, what was that like?
EP: It’s amazing! I kinda lucked out the very first time I got to play the Opry was actually when it was at the Ryman Auditorium. There’s actually two or three months where they have the Grand Ole Opry back at the Ryman Auditorium every year-round the holidays. I got to play then, and maybe 5 or 6 times now since then. I’m actually playing again Tuesday night. They are having a St. Jude show for raising money and awareness. A my distant cousin, Brad Paisley, is going to be there. I’ll actually get to talk to him on Tuesday.
KS: That is so awesome!
EP: I remember I was standing next to Ricky Skaggs the first time I played the Opry, and I was about to walk on and he said, “Are you nervous?” I was like “Yeah man! I’m about to walk onto the Opry stage,and you’re Ricky Skaggs”. It was a cool thing. Darryl Worley was also playing that night, and I told him “Ricky kept asking if I was nervous, yeah I’m nervous”. The cool thing is, I still get nervous…but in a good way, kinda. When you’re out on the stage a lot, that kinda wears away and that’s a good thing. So you’re having fun and not too shaky in front of people. I think when you play so many stages and then you come back to the Opry, you think about everyone I’ve ever looked up to has played here including rock artists and pop artists. On the Ryman stage, especially where the Grand Ole Opry started. Darryl said, “Man, if you’re not nervous on the Opry stage, your heart’s not in the right place.” So I try to make sure I’m a little nervous when I walk out on the Opry stage.
KS: I’m going to switch gears here for a second. I learned a long time ago as I was doing some research for my first article on you that you are a graduate from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). I actually grew up until 5th grade in Murfreesboro, TN where MTSU is. One day I’ll get back down there. I remember it being a very community oriented school.
EP: Its built up a lot.
KS: Has it really? I’m sure it has!! Talk to me a little about your choice of schooling and MTSU and what brought you to choose MTSU, being from Texas.
EP: I wanted to be up near Nashville and they had a Recording Music Program and Record Industry Program. I ended up doing a Music Business degree just so I could know what the business is about. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to work on the creative side of it. I was hoping that would work out, and I’m glad it has. So I chose MTSU because they had the Business Music Degree…
KS: Do you think getting your degree in music has helped to pave your path to where you are today, giving you more of an understanding of the ins and outs of the music business?
EP: When you know the basis of a business, and show up and talk to a professional you’ll actually learn something. As opposed to just going “You’re a music publisher? How many books do you all sell?” No..they don’t sell songs, they license songs and they don’t deal with books at all. Which happens a lot. You have an intern come in or someone wanting an internship to get to hang around it,and they are asking how many songs you sell. That’s the first thing you don’t say to a publisher. They don’t sell songs…they always own them. And it’s just learning little inside things like that about the business on the label side or the management side or any side of it. When someone’s wanting to go into (the business)when you show up you know the very simple parts of their business. That way you can talk about deeper things,and they might open up to teach you things that not everybody knows to help you in your career and just the understanding of how crazy the business can be.
KS: I give you a lot of credit learning the business from the bottom up, worked hard, and as I talk to you I know you will have a long career. Any future goals or projects we can look forward to? And future collaborations?
EP: I’ve had some pretty cool collaborations this past year from Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Amy Grant, and Sheryl Crow. I don’t know where I’ll go from there, but I’m always willing to collaborate and write and even sing with someone. We’re not done with this album, but we are looking towards the making of the next sophomore album. I am just kinda going through and rediscovering songs I wrote a long time ago. So, I’m doing that, and writing a lot still. Just looking forward to making the next album, and having at least a couple more singles come off this album.
KS: We’re looking forward to that too! I do something I call a social speed round to let my readers know a little bit about the performers outside of the regular questions. Are you willing to play along? It’s painless..I promise!!
EP: Sure.
KS: Okay..you’re on the road..you see this and make your tour bus pull off every time.
EP: Antique store. Well, not every time…there’s a lot of them.
KS: Fill in the blank…On the tour, my band mates think I’m a _________.
EP: Um…I don’t know what they think of me….haha…Good Guy!! They think I’m a good guy!
KS: Sport of choice?
EP: Baseball
KS: Team?
EP: Texas Rangers.
KS: What’s on your iPod right now?
EP: Actually I have the new U2 album. I’ve just been kinda playing that seeing it’s about.
KS: You’re on your time off, you can’t wait to do this.
EP: Projects. I like handy man projects.
KS: You just got home…you can’t wait to see or do this.
EP: See my girlfriend.
KS: Thank you so much Eric, I can’t wait to see you this Saturday and again in November when you come here to the Utica area.
EP: Thank you for doing what you do.
As I hung up the phone from the interview I couldn’t believe what a down to earth, intelligent, normal guy he was. This young man was wise beyond his years. It’s one thing to have talent, a dream, and ambition. But Eric had something else that is critical in the success of any and every career. He had the understanding that you must know your business and market to succeed. By going to school to learn this business, by being willing to listen, and by being willing to work hard, he’s made a name in the business in a positive way that will give him opportunities beyond many others.
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After speaking to Eric, and learning so much more about him, I was super pumped to see him perform live. Arriving early to the show, I was given a meet and greet pass to meet Eric in person, and now the anticipation began to boil over. That was such a treat as I was not expecting that.
First to the stage was local band, Hoot’n Anges, who rocked the crowd and warmed them up with a list of original music and covers of some of todays biggest hits. The three-piece band certainly had the sound of a full band with vocals being covered by husband and wife team of Angela and Lucas Marino and fiddle player Gregory Mach.
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They were really good, and I was enjoying shooting photos of the opening act. A little too much though. I unfortunately was so wrapped up in taking photos, that by the time I realized it, I had missed the meet and greet. Seriously!! Who does that? I must be the only person in the world to get so caught up in taking photos, that I miss a meet and greet with an a one of today’s country music stars! Sorry Eric, wasn’t intentional. For my readers that don’t know me, yes, I am a blonde and I’m easily distracted. Hopefully I’ll have another opportunity one day, and I promise to not miss that one.
Eric took the stage immediately after the opening act completed, and what a performance he gave the packed house. Singing songs he’s written over the years, and covering covers as though they were his own, he owned the crowd the minute he took the stage. His current hit and ballad “She Don’t Love You”, co written with Jennifer Wayne, granddaughter to John Wayne, has to be one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in a long time. Originally meant for George Straight, I am glad he kept it as his own as I feel that it was meant for him to sing. He delivers it with such emotion that you don’t hear the song, you feel the song. The crowd concurred. As he sang his song’s “Song About A Girl”, “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”, “Angel Eyes”, and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”, the crowd joined in and sang along word for word. I absolutely loved his covers too. His choices of “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers, and “Free Fallin” by Tom Petty were spot on and showcased his musical skills. If there’s one thing I can categorize about Eric’s singing, he sings with his soul. He’s not just on stage delivering words, he’s delivering an emotion alongside the words. This ultimately translates to a connection with the audience that not every artist can achieve. There’s nothing fake about this young man. He truly loves what he does, and he truly loves sharing it with us, his fans.
As I left the show and reflected back on my conversation with him and watching him perform for the audience, I felt that he’s a so much more than just a performer. He’s got the know how to work within this industry his entire life, he has the talent to achieve whatever he sets his mind to, and he’s got the heart to appreciate those nerves each time he goes out on the Opry stage. My favorite thing about Eric though, besides the fact that he graduated from MTSU in Murfreesboro, TN where I grew up, or the analogies to sports throughout his interview, was that he “wanted to be awake for life”!!!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QJW4JB5IeI] Setlist: Like A Song> Here Comes Love > Never Really Wanted > Barefoot Blue Jean Night> All or Nothing> She Don’t Love You> Angel Eyes> Fish Don’t Bite> Ain’t No Sunshine> Good With Wine> Free Fallin> Even If It Breaks Your Heart> Less Than Whole> Keep On Fallin’> Friday Night
Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, the popular music of that time was an eclectic mix for certain. The politically driven folk type songs of the 60’s were being replaced with a fun mix of Motown disco and R&B, a new wave of synthesized pop, Southern and hard rock, a cross over at times from country radio and adult contemporary to the top 40, heavy metal and punk rock bands, and a taste of what we commonly refer to today as rap. During this time we also saw an influx of pop and rock from across the pond. These English artists brought to us some amazing music, and a culture all their own. Vinyl albums were purchased for their artwork, and listened to from start to finish introducing listeners to not only the popular music, but the B side which many times was as good if not better than those songs chosen for release by the record companies. It was a pleasure being able to grow up during this era and be open to listening to so many genres of music. Trying to pick just one favorite during this time period is near to impossible. However there are several favorites that come to mind, one being Asia. and their Gravitas Tour.
I can remember well the summer I wore out my first Asia album. It was the summer of 1982 and I was just getting ready to begin my senior year at GHS. This was their first album, and as Asia hit the charts, each single released climbed the charts with record speeds. It was one of those albums that you could listen to from start to finish with the first song being as awesome as the next. There was something about the arrangements of synthesizer and percussion, mixed with the greatest lyrics and strings that made this rock and roll, classic and timeless.
Asia – Turning Stone Showroom
I had a chance to speak with Geoff Downes from Asia prior the show about their longevity in the business, their newest album Gravitas, and touring in America. We spoke of how New York seems to be the point of origin each time they kick off a tour. They’ve played the Turning Stone several times now. We also spoke of the huge success of their initial album Asia, that earned them two Grammy nominations. They were so excited with how America embraced them and the wonderful memories that went along with their initial tour. Since that day they’ve had the opportunity to travel world wide sharing their music with their fans and building memories as they toured. The first album set the bar high and held to encourage them to continue in their unique sound over the course of the next 30+ years as they played together. Even as they worked on solo projects and collaborated with other bands, they found themselves reuniting and continuing to record album after album. In 2013 the stress of touring with two bands at the same time, lead Steve Howe to the decision to retire from Asia and dedicate 100% of his work time to Yes. John Wetton returned at that time, and they immediately began recording Gravitas. Asia continues to play to audiences all over the world, some new fans, and many tried and true fans. They enjoy bringing their music to everyone, and spoke of how appreciative they are to still be able to play to their fans night after night.
I spoke to Geoffe about Roger Dean. Roger Dean was asked originally to come up with the album art for their self-titled debut album. The unique dragon he designed seemed to epitomize everything they were trying to accomplish with their music and became a signature look. We agreed that people tend to buy the albums not only for the music but for the wonderful artwork that came on the exterior. Geoffe pointed out that although the artwork is still here on CDs, it’s not the full size effect they used to be able to give listeners along with the vinyl. What they used to be able to offer to the listener was an entire package of their music, an experience. So as one would listen to the album they could scour the album, look at the lyrics, and experience the entire album in a unique way. They continued to feature Roger’s artwork on album after album, personally one of my favorite things about this group. They know when they’ve got something right, and they just continue to do that. Geoff and I agreed we could have talked for hours about all the experiences they’ve had over the years, but I thanked him for sharing his time and hung up with even more anticipation for the show the next evening.
As Asia took the stage the following night, I couldn’t help feel an excitement seeing one of my all time favorite bands for the first time play hit after hit, and found myself still knowing all the words and all the notes that were coming next. Their unique sound of percussion, electric guitar, keyboards, organ, synthesizers, and vocals meld perfectly together to bring you the unique rock sound that sets them apart from other bands of the time. Their songs can be heard over and over again still today in television, movies, and this timelessness is what gives them music longevity.
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To watch them live was an experience. Geoff floored me with his ability to play his 9 piece keyboard rig simultaneously, while John Wetton and Carl Palmer hit the notes with such preciseness you wondered if it was live or Memorex. The newcomer Sam Coulson added an edge with his electric guitar and solos and proved to me that Asia will withstand the test of time with new life, new music, and new fans as time goes on. The new album they are touring with, Gravitas, means dignity, seriousness, or solemnity of manner. Although it has a few of these serious traits, I think once you give a listen, you will agree that it’s purely magic, and proof that great music is timeless.
Setlist: Sole Survivor>Wildest Dreams>Time Again>Valkyrie>Voice of America>The Smile Has Left Your Eyes>An Extraordinary Life>Days Like These>Go>Don’t Cry>Drum Solo>Only Time Will Tell>Open Your Eyes> Heat of the Moment
Fans have eagerly been awaiting this announcement since his press conference on July 9, 2014. Rather than announcing all cities at once, Garth has kept his fans on the edge of their seats with announcements of each city one at a time. His absence certainly is apparent as his shows have been selling out in each city so far.
The Doobie Brothers Southbound features some of country music’s legendary performers such as Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Sara Evans, with some of today’s most talented newcomers, such as The Zac Brown Band, Hunter Hayes, Chris Young, Casey James, Tyler Farr,
Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, the popular music of that time was an eclectic mix for certain. The politically driven folk type songs of the 60’s were being replaced with a fun mix of Motown disco and R&B, a new wave of synthesized pop, Southern and hard rock, a cross over at times from country radio and adult contemporary to the top 40, heavy metal and punk rock bands, and a taste of what we commonly refer to today as rap. During this time we also saw an influx of pop and rock from across the pond. These English artists brought to us some amazing music, and a culture all their own. Vinyl albums were purchased for their artwork, and listened to from start to finish introducing listeners to not only the popular music, but the B side which many times was as good if not better than those songs chosen for release by the record companies. It was a pleasure being able to grow up during this era and be open to listening to so many genres of music. Trying to pick just one favorite during this time period is near to impossible. However there are several favorites that come to mind, one being 