Chesney plays Austin City Limits
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 – Kenny Chesney played Austin City Limits Tuesday night with a little help from his horns section and a Wailer.
"I don't really remember the first time I saw Willie Nelson, he always just was," said Chesney, "but there's a part of me that's pretty certain it was on 'Austin City Limits' because I saw an awful lot of my heroes on t hat show. You look around - and you realize everyone, from Jerry Lee Lewis to George Jones to Ray Charles right up to now has played here, and you really want to be part of that history."
Chesney brought along his four-piece horn section, percussionist Drummie Zeb from the Wailers - for Beer In Mexico, Young, Summertime and his current hit Out Last Night during the 80 minutes. Chesney also performed Anything But Mine and Better As A Memory, which led into Old Blue Chair and the first public performances of Boats and Somewhere In The Sun.
"Those aren't songs I normally get to do," Chesney admitted. "I like to keep the energy level pretty high, but they're very much a part of who I am...and it's funny. Somewhere In The Sun is one of only two songs I've ever written on the road, and I wrote it not a mile from where we were taping. So in a way, we closed the circle singing it here... because it all started when we were snowed out of our show down here one year."
Chesney, who told stories about his experiences in Austin, was joined by singer/songwriter Mac McAnally - who sang their recent number one duet Down The Road then stayed for his Back Where I Come From, long a mainstay of Chesney's live shows - as a surprise guest.
"Any time you can put the focus on the songs, it's a good thing," Chesney said. "And to be able to do that with Mac... well, it just takes these songs to a whole other level. I was honored that he'd do this with us, and I hope we'll get to see him out on the road when he can get away from his own stuff."
Though no broadcast date has been set, Chesney's special one hour "Austin City Limits" will air early in the fall.
"We're having a big summer, and we're just getting started. And 'Austin City Limits" will take us into the fall in a way that I'm really proud of."
More news for Kenny Chesney
CD reviews for Kenny Chesney
Greatest Hits Two
The Kenny Chesney hit machine continues, which explains a second volume of hits. And these really are because this is his first proper greatest hits in nine years. He's enjoyed a remarkable career with only 4 singles since 1997 not hitting the top 10 (interestingly one of them was one of his signature songs She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy.) Even the one new song here, Out Last Night, hit number one.
The songs cover both the sensitive, more introspective side of Chesney where he tends to »»» |
Lucky Old Sun
Kenny Chesney did not make a country disc here, but once you overlook that, the laid back seemingly good country superstar digs quite deep. Chesney says the 11 songs is "deeper than "Be As You Are," and he is correct. Considered the country version of Jimmy Buffett doesn't always hold water. Chesney gives the appearance of life being laid back while having some fun on a Carribean island, but such is not always the case apparently.
The vibe is acoustic-based most of the time, »»» |
Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates
The hit machine continues for superstar Kenny Chesney. Prior to its release, Chesney already enjoy a big hit with the catchy lead off "Never Wanted Nothing More."
The most interesting track is the island-flavored "Shiftwork," a duet with George Strait by Troy Jones where they sing of punching the clock at work, waiting for time off.
The closing "Demons" hews closest to country on the set produced by Buddy Cannon and Chesney. Penned by Bill Anderson and Jon Randall, »»» |
Editorial: Taylor Swift, the Grammys and playing in the dirt –
Sunday proved to be a night of extreme highs and lows for Taylor Swift. On the extremely positive side, the superstar garnered four Grammys, including Album of the Year for the very fine "Fearless." Swift has proven her mettle as a solid songwriter with lots of good tunes. Just how country it is is open to interpretation. Let's just say that she and traditional country singers have little in common. But in the context of what constitutes country today, Swift is probably no better or worse than most of the singers and performers out there. »»»
Concert Review: McBride, Adkins shine sometimes –
As Martina McBride pointed out, the pairing of the country singer with Trace Adkins on their current jaunt was surprising. After all, she's of diva-quality voice, petite, non-controversial unless you call singing songs that empower women controversial. Adkins, on the other hand, has not been afraid to speak his mind with a kick butt attitude.... »»»
Concert Review: Eilen Jewell wears her musical hats well –
Eilen Jewell wears a lot of musical hats. The Idaho native, who now lives in Boston, fronts the Eilen (ee-lin) Jewell Band, a pretty much traditional country band. She's a member the Sacred Shakers, an octet doing gospel country with a country beat. And she has yet another project, Butcher Holler, covering Loretta Lynn songs.... »»»
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