Alan Jackson returned to the South Okangan Events Centre for the first time since 2009, and once again delighted a sold out audience with hit after hit delivered in classic Alan Jackson & the Strayhorns way.Jackson, who has had more number one hits than you can swing a stick at, reminded us all again of how he got there. The songs themselves are well crafted with great hooks and interesting plays on words. The Strayhorns, his long time backing band, continues in the tradition of hot country bands where everybody can shred at the drop of a hat but keep it in check until it's called for. Then there is Jackson's charm and ease. The man continues to exude the very essence of being comfortable in your own skin.After the opening video segment, Jackson simply strolled to the center of the stage, acknowledged his screaming fans, paused and slipped his quitar over his neck and started off the night with "Gone Country", one of his biggest and most memorable songs. Taking time to toss out guitar picks and make eye contact with the audience, he had them all the way in before the first song had even ended.His audience on this night spanned the generations, with everyone from teenage girls to long happily married couples who all simply shared a love of country music and Jackson's charm and charisma. An announced sell out had all the seats filled but interestingly had the general admission pit directly in front of the stage relatively sparse. Most seemed quite content to sit back and listen to the man and watch him and his band do their thing. Refreshing, actually, and the entire evening had a very nice energy to it; electric without any blown circuits or dangerous sparks.The Strayhorns did the backing band thing to perfection. These guys redefined "tight" as it applies to a rhythm section. And good lord, could they all play! The second song of the night, "Toothless", featured every guitarist as well as the fiddler player stretching out and letting loose. Each of these musicians returned to their rhythm roles on a dime. Not the easiest thing to do when you've just burned through a solo, but seemleesly done by this group of superb musicians. Many of his biggest hits were played, including "Gone Country", "Pop a Top", "Livin On Love", "Summertime Blues", and "Chattahoochee" but it was nice to see songs like his cover of the Tom T Hall song "Little Bitty" also make the set list. Incredibly well paced show with pristine sound, staggering musicianship from the band, and oodles of Jackson charm. New country sound with rock energy and old fashioned sensibility. Not much to dislike about this one.
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