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George Strait isn't called the 'King of Country' for nothing. The 57-year-old country music legend used a 26-song, 95-minute set Sunday to prove to a sellout crowd of 23,500 at the Craven Country Jamboree exactly why he's considered one of the best country artists of all time.
With a record 57 No. 1 hits on his resume, the most difficult task for Strait was to fashion a set list that would satisfy his legion of fans.
While some might quibble about a missing hit here or there, Strait cobbled together a perfect blend of the old, the classic and the new. He covered the old with 'Unwound,' 'The Chair,' 'Ocean Front Property' and 'Heartland' with the classic being covered by the likes of 'I Can Still Make Cheyenne,' 'Check Yes Or No' and 'Amarillo By Morning.' Strait, who was recently named artist of the decade by the Academy of Country Music for the new millennium, also shared his latest single, 'I'm Living For The Night,' along with other relatively new tunes like 'I Saw God Today,' 'Troubadour' and 'She'll Leave You With A Smile.'
There's definitely something to be said for being able to recognize every song played just by listening to the first few notes.
Strait was strictly old-school -- there was no need for a fancy lightshow or pyrotechnics. The focus was on the music and what music it was. Strait's voice was magnificent. It was silky smooth and he hit all the notes effortlessly. It could be argued that he's singing better now than he was 15 years ago. Some fans might dispute that statement but his singing was just that good Sunday night.
Strait rolled rapid fire through his set list with a minimum of chit chat. To say that he was a man of few words would be a severe understatement. However, it didn't matter because he spoke volumes through his music. Anything that he needed to say to his fans, he said through his lyrics.
Critics who accuse Strait of being too cerebral don't know what they're talking about. Strait can pound out an uptempo dance tune with the best of them. A great example was 'Honk If You Honky Tonk,' a tune that would blow the roof off any country dance club in North America.
No review would be complete without mentioning Strait's support on stage, the Ace In The Hole Band. The 11-member band was simply dazzling with tight arrangements and superb musicianship. It's no wonder Strait is the best in the business -- matching the world's best country singer with arguably the world's best country band is a wicked combination.
Like any great artist, Strait left the stage after one encore with the crowd clamoring for more.
However, before leaving the stage, Strait walked the centre ramp in its entirety, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with each and every fan that extended his or her hand. A gentleman to the very end.
Kenny Chesney, who was announced Sunday as the marquee headliner for the 2010 festival, will have a significant challenge to match what Strait delivered in both musicianship and class.
But then again, George is still the king.
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