Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 13, 1992 TAG: 9203130184
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK MORRISON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The smart money is on Alan Jackson to outlast the current wave of country-music hysteria and endure as a Nashville artist who might still be around 10 years from now.
Yes, even more than country phenomenon Garth Brooks.
Here's why:
Arguably, Jackson sings better, or at least more smoothly than his overly dramatic counterpart. He's better looking. And he's a better songwriter, sticking closer to more traditional country parameters than the crossover-flirting Brooks.
Nor does Jackson smash expensive guitars on stage like a Pete Townsend wanna-be. His style is lower-key, but equally riveting.
It also helps that Jackson in his two-year rise to the top echelon of country music has already performed three times in the Roanoke Valley. He returns Saturday for an 8 p.m. show at the Salem Civic Center.
Brooks has yet to come this way.
In addition, look at their signature songs: Brooks' "Friends in Low Places" vs. Jackson's "Don't Rock the Jukebox." Both are catchy, very 1990s, up-tempo country songs that have helped draw a new, younger generation of listeners to country music.
"Friends in Low Places" is about a guy who finds solace drinking with his buddies at the local gin joint as his former sweetheart gets married to a man with money across town.
"Don't Rock the Jukebox" mines similar territory, as Jackson asks the person ahead of him in line at the jukebox to play something slow to ease his hurting heart.
Only one of the two songs has become an anthem.
Now I ain't got nothing
Against rock and roll,
But when my heart's been broken
I need a song that's slow
The message to young country: Rock 'n' roll is great, but sometimes only the sound of a weeping steel guitar will do the trick.
Garthmania aside, Jackson, 33, has found a niche that other country newcomers can't quite match. He appeals as much to the longtime country listener as he does to younger audiences and the now-graying era of rock fans being drawn to Nashville's new sophistication.
Plus, he doesn't have to live up to the superstar hype that Brooks does - hype that often leads to harsh critical scrutiny and commercial disappointments. Without the same expectations, Jackson can more comfortably build on past success.
Salem will be Jackson's first Roanoke Valley appearance as a headlining act. Previously, he opened for Randy Travis, Alabama and played at the Salem Fair.
A Georgia native, his musical debut was in the fourth grade with a lip-synching of "Lil' Red Riding Hood" by Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs.
After high school, he bought, rebuilt and sold cars and worked as a carpenter while pursuing music on the side. In 1985, he moved to Nashville with his wife, Denise. They have been married 13 years and have an 18-month-old daughter named Mattie.
In Nashville, he worked for a year sorting mail for cable television's Nashville Network before forming his own band and hitting the small-club circuit.
Jackson eventually signed with Arista Records, which made him the first country artist to be signed by the label. In 1990, he released his debut album, "Here in the Real World," which spawned five hit singles: "Here in the Real World," "Home," "Wanted," "Chasin' That Neon Rainbow," and "I'd Love You All Over Again."
His follow-up album, "Don't Rock the Jukebox," was released last May and includes "Dallas," "Walking the Floor Over Me," "Midnight in Montgomery" and the title track.
Opening for Jackson will be Diamond Rio.
With three hit singles to its credit, "Meet in the Middle," "Mirror, Mirror" and "Mama Don't Forget to Pray for Me," the six-member group could be poised to take control of the wide-open race to succeed The Judds as Nashville's top vocal group.
Members include lead singer Marty Roe, guitarist Jimmy Olander, Gene Johnson on mandolin, Dan Truman on keyboards, bassist Dana Williams and drummer Brian Prout. Where the group stands apart is in its members' varied musical backgrounds and their reputations as respected instrumentalists.
Olander, Williams and Johnson all have roots in bluegrass. Mandolinist Johnson played with David Bromberg as well as J.D. Crowe & New South, which also included the late Keith Whitley.
Truman is a classically trained pianist who has strong connections to jazz, and Prout was formerly a rock drummer. None of the group members hails from the South.
Together, they blend jazz and rock back beats with the high harmonies of bluegrass to create a distinct sound among the new crop of Nashville bands trying to break away from the pack.
A second album is half-done, said Gene Johnson in a telephone interview this week. And the band is playing 60 dates this year with Jackson, which should bring the band much-valued exposure.
In Salem, Johnson said the group will play one of its new songs, "Cowboy Band," during its 45-minute set. The band also will feature a bluegrass medley.
Formed seven years ago, the group took its name from a tractor-trailer company, Diamond-Reo in Harrisburg, Pa. Worth noting is that pop group REO Speedwagon also borrowed its name from the same company.
Diamond Rio, however, altered the spelling.
Meanwhile, Johnson said the band endured some lean times, sharing what has to be a classic music-business story. Country star Lee Greenwood once offered guitarist Jimmy Olander a job playing in his road band.
The good pay was tempting, but Olander opted to stay with Diamond Rio. Soon afterwards, to pay the bills, he got a job working with a Nashville lawn service.
Now, guess who one of its customers was?
Alan Jackson plays Saturday night at 8 at the Salem Civic Center. Diamond Rio opens. Advanced reserved tickets, $17.50; $18.50 day of show. 375-3004.
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by CNB