Most country music these days is nothing but pretty boys playing rock with a few twangs in them and singing about beer, chicks in tight jeans, and American made trucks. Alabama, which still boasts Jeff Cook/g-f-voc, Teddy Gentry/b-voc and Randy Owen/g-voc, have been together for almost 35 years and make some of the most bonafide picking and harmonies around. On this disc and dvd, you get to hear and see them at a a show in Ryman Auditorium in Nashville , TN with their working band of Megan Bohlinger/mand, Charles English/g, Kimo Forrest/g, Steve Peffer/key and Chuck Tilley/dr. They ‘re also joined on stage with stars old and new, including Jason Aldean, who brings his rich voice to on “Tennessee River,” Trisha Yearwood who brightens up “Forever’s As Far As I’ll Go” and Jamey Johnson who helps the band celebrate “My Home’s In Alabama” as well as one-offs with Eli Young Band and Florida Georgia Line. The picking is just fine on “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas” and harmonies are home spun on “All American” and “Born Country.” These guys make wearing blue jeans and bandanas fun again.
Eagle Records/vision