Spring
Means Music in Laughlin as Country Music Superstar Alan Jackson Set to Perform
at the Laughlin Event Center
Alan Jackson’s 2017 Honky Tonk Highway Tour winds
through Laughlin this month as he takes the stage at the Laughlin Event Center
on February 25th.
If there were a Mt. Rushmore of Country music, Alan Jackson
would be on it. For over 25 years, the Georgia native has blended “Honky Tonk”
with traditional Country stylings to take his place as one of the genre’s most
loved artist alongside greats like George Jones, Hank Williams and George
Strait. The word “prolific” is an understatement when describing Jackson’s
career. Since fortuitously meeting Glen Cambell while working in the Nashville
Network’s mailroom back in 1988, he has produced sixteen studio albums, three
greatest hits collections, two Christmas and two gospel records with no signs
of slowing down.
His latest effort, Angels and Alcohol, reflects the consistency Jackson’s fans have
come to expect as the ten original tracks on the album “keep it country;” a
mantra he learned from mentor and country great George Jones years ago. As he
has always done, Jackson wrote most of the songs on the album himself and
explores themes of family, faith, and the patience derived through maturity and
unwavering hope.
Expect Jackson to
construct his set-list with a balance of long-standing fan-favorites and new
material from Angels. With such an
impressive career that must be quite a task.
Recall “Chasin’ That
Neon Rainbow” from his debut album, a three-minute microcosm of all who (like
Jackson) have dreamed of making it big in country music.
There’s the iconic
“Remember When,” a heartfelt reflection of life’s blessings when shared with
one you love.
Honky Tonk purists rely
on the anthem “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.” A defense of traditional country from
intrusive Rock-and-Roll influences.
Jackson penned “Where Were You (When the World
Stopped Turning)” when, like millions world-wide, he witness the tragedy of the
September 11 terrorist attack in New York.
Angels
and Alcohol debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s chart demonstrating that Jackson’s best years are not yet behind him. He
wrote seven of the ten tracks himself, a rarity in the music business these
days where the singer/songwriter has often given way to corporate song machines
where artists merely select rather than create. The result is a more personal
collection reflecting Jackson’s middle-age maturity.
Many of the themes here
deal with what might considered “empty nest syndrome.” There is a wealth of
material a father of three daughters can draw from. He advises them to “Spread
your wings” and be patient while waiting on “Mr. right. “Flaws” contends that
we all have them, that “…all the little parts that are unique” in all of us are
not always elements of perfection. They always say, “Write what you love.”
There is no doubt after listening to Angels
and Alcohol that for Jackson, what he loves is his family.
The albums opening
track, “You Can Always Come Home," is consistent with a classic Jackson
formula. It weaves meaningful life-lessons within entertaining storytelling. It
describes a father’s encouragement to his children to find their own way in the
world while reminding them they always have a place to return.
The title track
deviates from usual country clichés by warning of the dangers of mixing
“…whiskey with a good woman's love” lest you end up lonely and heartbroken.
This track shows Jackson’s ability the change. It reflects honesty and truth
rather glorifying personal destruction; something the genre has been accused of
in the past.
It wouldn’t be a true
country music album without on good “leaving” song. “Jim and Jack and Hank”
does not disappoint. It describes all the things the speaker won’t miss after
his high-society other finally leaves. There are the apple martinis, the
sparkling water and the ankle biting dog. She can take them all and he won’t
care, he’s still got Jim (Beam) Jack (Daniels) and Hank (Williams).
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