Reviews

BamaJam Music & Arts Festival

It's hard to believe Alan Jackson's been at it for over two decades, but think about it--his first album came out in 1987; he made his chart debut in '89; and here he is, headlining BamaJam's Friday night showcase, and he's still reigning as one of Nashville's megastars.



A neotraditionalist at heart, he plays a straight-up honky-tonk-based music that gives props to heroes like Haggard, Jones, and other mid-century icons (witness his album Under the Influence, which included such old-school gems as "Pop a Top" and "Farewell Party"). Yet he's no throwback--this is music made by and for contemporary ears. It's not watered down, but the edges are certainly smooth. Songs like "Gone Country" (his BamaJam opener) and his hit cover of "Summertime Blues" are catchy as hell but for the most part inoffensive--which is just how most fans want things, and part of why the reserved, good-natured, long 'n' lean Jackson has enjoyed such longevity. OK, he's a damn fine singer, an honest love of country music, and has a crack band to back him up--all of which was in full effect on the (thankfully rain-free) BamaJam stage Friday night.

The genre "alt-country" could mean many things (maybe Ryan Adams?), but on BamaJam's "alternative stage" it meant The Black Crowes, G. Love & Special Sauce, The Whigs and Drive-By-Truckers. Here's some highlight photos from the second day of BamaJam on June 5, 2009.

The Whigs play their southern-comforting hit "Right Hand On My Heart"


G. Love dishing up some of his "special sauce"


Drive-By-Truckers driving it home with some corn-fed country rock


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Thu 4 Jun – BamaJam Music & Arts Festival



You don't have to listen long during a set to get a taste of the philosophy of Charlie Daniels. "I ain't nothing but a simple man, call me a redneck, I reckon that I am," he sings on "Simple Man," a dark, haunting song of caution toward anyone who gets in his face or space.



World views aside, though, bottom line remains that Charlie is a top-shelf performer who knows his crowd and knows what they like--good ol' mountain music done up with serious picking and a good-time attitude. Gotta respect the guy for that.

Thu 4 Jun – BamaJam Music & Arts Festival



Taylor Swift was the undeniable star attraction on Day 1 of BamaJam 2009. Young female fans lined the fences at the front of the stage, held signs, waved, and screamed--some having been sitting there nearly 12 hours to get that front-row spot (and in the pouring rain for part of that time, too). Despite the rain, though, a white carpet was unfurled, and Taylor came out blasting. She wasted no time, too, diving straight into pop hits like "Our Song" and "Fearless," giving the crowd what they came to hear. She may be young and relatively new on the scene, and many of her songs may still be focused on high-school romance, but when it comes to performing she's a pro, no doubt about it.

After a long day of flying--and sprinting through the Charlotte airport with my luggage to make my connection--I made it to BamaJam. (If you're not familiar, BamaJam is a country music festival in the deep south of Alabama). At high noon on the first day it was pouring rain, but luckily it cleared up by the time we got to the gate. Now, this festival isn't really my scene (I'm much more excited for Bonnaroo), however I can get down with some of "alternative" bands here like The Black Crowes, The Whigs, and Galactic.

Taylor Swift live from tonight


Yay...Taylor Swift. I can tell she put on a great set, but I'm not a 14 year old girl so I can't really tell you how great it was. I have to say though, she put on a superstar-size show with a marching band, dancers, and outfit changes (no less). The highlight of the day, in my opinion was Grace Porter & the Nocturals. Her style spoke more to my age group (30-something) plus she has a sexy, blues-y approach to rock. I got some good pics from the photo pit and was happy to hear a band with some soul (in the midst of country mania going on the nearby main stage). Another notable set was by JJ Grey And Mofro, a Florida native who seemed to be right at home. Looking forward to another day in the hot rain tomorrow...stay tuned.

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals earlier today


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Thu 4 Jun – BamaJam Music & Arts Festival


A guy playing the music Jamey Johnson plays--slow, sad country from a bygone era, mostly 70s--would be booed and/or ignored if he didn't look like he does, badass biker, the kinda that'd knock you to the floor for talking back in less time than it takes to sip a sarsaparilla. Well there's that other thing, too--his voice, as cool, deep, rich, and bold as Waylon Jennings, who's obviously a clear hero of his. Waylon, Merle, Willie, and George Jones, to whom he gave a bit shoutout during his BamaJam set (we hoped for an appearance during his cover of "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes," but Jones was No-Show--no, the Possum saved a stage appearance for a bit later, during John Anderson's set). Johnson had the crowd wrapped around his beefy fingers right from the get-go--they knew words to songs from his latest album, maybe most notably "In Color," a powerful ballad that starts slow and sad then builds, speaks to the heart, yet never simpers into schlock. He even got the crowd to sing along--though he sure doesn't strike you as the sing-along type. Great version, too, of "Give it away," a song he wrote George Strait. And Johnson's other big ballad, "That Lonesome Song," is easily among the best songs to come out of Nashville in well over a decade.