THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 19, 1995 TAG: 9504190025
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
LIFE ON THE ROAD for a country artist can be a bit disorienting. For instance, David Ball knew what town he was in, but not what state.
``I'm in Springfield,'' Ball said. ``Right off hand, I'm not sure if its Springfield, Mo., or Springfield, Ill.''
He was serious. That's the touring life - park the bus, set up, perform, greet a few fans, tear down, get back in the bus, go.
The Ball bus will be parked at Hampton Coliseum Saturday when he opens the show for Brooks & Dunn, and the Tractors.
It's been quite a tour.
``We're hittin' about 10,000 people a night. Each time - my show is always different,'' Ball said. ``Last night, my feet weren't working, so I just stood there and sang. Usually, I try to do as much as I can.''
Since he is an opening act, he has to do it in 45 minutes, ``unless the audience brings me back for an encore,'' he said.
Then, he rocks, doing Berry or Jerry - Chuck or Lee Lewis, that is.
Ball's first influence, during his growin' up years in Rock Hill, S.C., was Ricky Nelson - specifically, ``Poor Little Fool.'' But his tastes are varied: Roger Miller, Doc Watson, Webb Pierce, George Jones.
``Give me Jones singing ``He Stopped Loving Her Today'' and you know what rings my bell,'' said Ball, who offers a touch or two of Jones in ``Thinkin' Problem,'' the song that put him on the map.
``I always hoped it would take off, but the way it did kind of surprised me,'' he said. ``That's the kind of song I like when I listen to the radio.''
Other Ball hits include ``Look What Followed Me Home'' and ``Honky-Tonk Healin'.''
The latter title seems biographical. Ball's father is a Baptist preacher. The singer's preferred venues are honky tonks.
``There's something about a wooden dance hall. Give me a dance hall full of people and we're gonna have a great time,'' he said. ``The music sounds good, and it's more intimate.''
His most intimate moments are saved for the time he can spend at home with his wife and their 11-year-old daughter who, proud pop proclaims, ``is a pretty good singer.''
Ball has been singing semi-professionally and professionally since the seventh grade, when he formed a band he called The Strangers - shades of Haggard.
His singing success story is a cliche. Ball was playing a club, he was heard, he was liked, he was signed.
His next single, to be released in two to three weeks, has the lengthy title ``What Do You Want With His Love, You've Already Got Mine.''
The video is ready to go on the song Ball says is ``kind of in the middle between low-key and uptempo.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
WARNER BROS. RECORDS
David Ball will open for Brooks & Dunn, and the Tractors on Saturday
at Hampton Coliseum.
by CNB