Jackson more singer than entertainer

Alan Jackson returned to the Augusta Civic Center Thursday night after a two-year absence, and came back a more self-assured performer as a headliner.

Jackson, dressed in faded blue jeans, a black T-shirt and a white cowboy hat, still proved to be more of a singer than an entertainer, generally staying in one place and strumming his guitar. Still he worked the edge of the stage during his band members’ solos, shaking hands and collecting gifts from his fans.

Jackson’s staging reflected his passion as a classic car buff. The bandstands for the group’s members were made to resemble the front and rear ends of cars and pickup trucks, down to the functioning lights. Hidden by a tall screen behind the band were four similar car setups.

Two video screens on both sides of the stage enhanced the experience. Closed-circuit shots of Jackson and the band were mixed with videos to allow everyone in the near-capacity crowd a good view. Brightly colored lights completed the package.

Of course, there was the expected amount of screaming women in the crowd, professing adoration of the lanky blond. He accepted these remarks good humoredly, at one point replying, “We love y’all, too.”

During the one-hour, 20-minute set, Jackson gave his fans all his hits, beginning with “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” and concluding with a raucous version of “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” (complete with a 20-foot-tall `rocking jukebox’ prop). He went from his first hit, “Blue Blooded Woman,” to his most recent, “Tonight I Climbed the Wall.”

Jackson was at his best when crooning heartfelt ballads, including “Someday,” “Here in the Real World,” “Wanted” and the haunting “Midnight in Montgomery.” But he could also cut loose, such as on “A Lot About Livin’ (And A Little `Bout Love)” and “Love’s Got a Hold on You.”

Jackson was backed up by a top-notch band, including guitarist Danny Grove, fiddler Mark McClure, steel guitarist Robbie Flynn and keyboardist Marty Parsons.

Opening for Jackson was country music legend Merle Haggard, who was even less animated than Jackson, with none of the video-age trimmings. He offered his music, take it or leave it. This worked for many in the audience, but not all, as there was constant foot traffic to the lobby and concessions during his set. Haggard and his eight-member band, the Strangers, are all business. Haggard, dressed in black, stood zombie still and played his hits, cramming 17 songs into a 50-minute set.

Haggard struck a chord with many audience members with hits such as “Okie From Muskogee” and “Walkin’ on the Fightin’ Side of Me.” Other well-received songs were “Twinkle, Twinkle, Lucky Star,” “Silver Wings,” “Mama Tried,” “Today I Started Loving You Again” and Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.”

Haggard took quite a few guitar solos, but also shared the spotlight with the capable members of the Strangers.

All in all, the evening showcased many of the strengths of the foundation and future of country music.