George Strait Part 2
A few more observations about the George Strait show on Thursday night. I was glad to read John T. Davis’ review of the show in Saturday’s Austin American Statesman. He agreed with me that it was what you expected and quite fulfilling. My biggest complaint of the night? I always have to have a complaint. It was all the big ol’ bubbas’ pickups that took up more than one parking spot in the parking garage! I guess that’s pretty good if that is my only complaint.
We weren’t there early enough for the opening opening act, that was Sara Johns. I saw her t-shirts for sale at the merchandise table along with all of the George Strait paraphernalia, including big jackets for $85. Her t-shirts were $25. I wondered if she sold any? I am sure there were people there that like her music, but I don’t think anyone would lay out another $25 for a shirt after laying out $50 or $60 or $70 for a ticket to the show.
We did get to hear the band Little Big Town. Mark and I have a favorite joke. When we are watching awards shows or CMT or something that claims to be country but it is more rock and roll than anything, we say “I love country music.” A couple of songs into Little Big Town Mark said it, “I love country music.” They are very good and quite musical and harmonic, but is it country? By the new standards, I suppose it is. By the Janice Williams standard, it is not. I had never paid much attention to Little Big Town on their videos or when I’ve seen them. It is two guys and two girls (the ABBA of country music) and one of the guys is very handsome. Both of the girls look like the women that work in your office that slip out at 4:30 and leave you with extra work because they are going to go to Happy Hour. I asked Mark at one point if he thought their major influence was Fleetwood Mac or Heart. “Definitely Fleetwood Mac,” he said. Before the set ended, they ripped into “Go Your Own Way” and proved us right. They also had a lot of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young in what they do. They were good and they had a crisp, fast-moving set, they just weren’t George and I was ready to get on with the show!
I double-checked since last writing and the Ace in the Hole band did most certainly play “Deep in the Heart of Texas” as they began their show and George Strait came out on stage. I think they should record it. I loved it. There version was very akin to the Bob Wills version, very swingy.
I think George sang about 21 of his 50-plus Number One songs. No more than 21, I’m sure. He did a few new songs, a couple of classics, and some songs from the albums that weren’t released as singles (”High Tone Woman” and “Honk if You Honky Tonk”). We were surprised he didn’t do “I Cross My Heart.” When you really think about it, George doesn’t have a whole lot of “love songs” and that’s one of the very few. It happens to be one of OUR love songs, so it stuck out that it wasn’t played. It was our love song just because it was so omnipresent on the radio when we met in the summer of 1992 when the movie “Pure Country” was released.
George Strait said he had been touring for 28 years and that he does it “for you” the fans. I think that is the absolute truth. Some stars truly seem to get their kicks and feed off an audience and have to have that love on stage. I don’t think George needs that. He certainly doesn’t need the money. I think he tours each year to make sure that his fans stay happy. I’m happy if he just keeps putting out great albums like the last couple. I love it when he records songs by my favorite Texas songwriters: Guy Clark, Bruce Robison, Monte Warden, etc.
Meanwhile, back at Hacienda del Gatos:
We watched the Cowboys this afternoon, hoping for a miracle. Nathan Jr. and Willie did their best to help Romo out:
Nathan’s tail provided little pass protection in that last minute, I’m afraid.
