It’s been a hell of a summer for covering legendary bands. First was the Rolling Stones, then Deep Purple and then The Eagles. Now you can add Alabama to that mix. There isn’t a more accomplished country band on the planet than Alabama. They have garnered over 200 awards from various organizations and have sold over 75 million records worldwide. Three (3) cousins Randy Owen, Jeff Cook and Todd Gentry have steered the Alabama ship for well over 45 years. They are getting ready to release their first studio effort in 14 years on September 18, 2015, called “Southern Drawl.”
With all that said, an eager audience packed the Erie County Fair to take in the legendary country act. Opening up with a video montage of various current country music stars (including Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan), the band took to the stage playing “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)” off of Alabama’s most successful album, 1984’s “Roll On.” They played 3 cuts from this particular disc, including the title track and “When We Make Love.” With the opening track, guitarist/fiddle player Jeff Cook switched back and forth between his lime green guitar and his lime green fiddle. Guitarist and lead vocalist Randy Owen commented that it was about 35 years ago yesterday, they had their first number one song. Then the band went into “Tennessee River.” Owen had every one clapping their hands before “One in the World.” Owen said “we are in western New York, right? There is a difference between western and eastern NY right? This drew a lot of applause back from the crowd. He then asked the crowd how many are driving GMC pickups? Then Dodge pickups? Then Ford pickups? Then Chevy pickups? This banter lead him into the song “Song of the South.”
Owen handled most of the vocals for the evening except on “One on the World” where Cook handled it and Bassist Todd Gentry did “Turn it Off.” They asked the crowd about Jim Kellys’ well being. Owen remarked that they were really close with the former Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback and wanted to know how he’s doing. When the crowd gave a good response back, Owen joked “well tell him I’m gonna kick his ass then for not coming to our show!” He then laughed and said he was joking and glad he was doing better. The band then went into a song they did with Luke Bryan off of the “Alabama and Friends” CD called “Love in the First Degree.”
Fans enjoyed a solid 95 minute set that encompassed the career of one of the most important bands in any genre of music formed in America. Alabama gave and the crowd overwhelmingly accepted. A great set by true legends!
Setlist:
If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)
Tennessee River
Dixieland Delight
Song of the South
One in the World
Born Country
Feels so Right
Lady Down on Love
Dancin’, Shaggin’ on the Boulevard
Turn it Off
Love in the First Degree
Forever’s as Far as I’ll Go
Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)
High Cotton
Take Me Down
When We Make Love
I’m in a Hurry (and Don’t Know Why?)
Encore:
Mountain Music
We would like to thank Holly and Lynn at the Erie County Fair for the credentials to review the show.
