JAMEY JOHNSON LIVE REVIEW - theexaminer.com
ROARING OUTLAWS JAMEY JOHNSON AND JAMES OTTO SHOWCASE THEIR TALENT IN KENTUCKY
During the Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival in Winchester, Kentucky this past weekend, country music fans were treated by the talents of James Otto and Jamey Johnson. Both have performed in Kentucky several times but this show proved to be one for the record books. According to festival organizers, around 15, 000 of fans attended the concert that proved that traditional country music is back on the market.
Opener Jennifer Webb and Uncle Elijah took to the stage early on as fans in the crowd gathered in the field. They sang the current hits of country music with their own flavor to get the crowd ready. Uncle Elijah has performed at the Daniel Boone Festival each year and has become a country standard each year.
James Otto followed up with a country groove that made the women swoon. Taking on the style of Conway Twitty and Ronnie Milsap, Otto sang hits off his latest album, as well as his soon to be released, Since You Brought it Up. The crowd was on its feet during the hour set featuring songs, "Ain't Gonna Stop," "Drink and Dial". He also added a little bit of Ronnie Milsap with the crowd singing along to "There's No Gettin' Over Me." Otto concluded his set with the most played tune on radio, "Just Got Started Lovin' You." With a promising career, country music fans should take note to the talent that Otto has both on record and live.
With country as pure as the white shirt he was wearing, headliner Jamey Johnson wasted no time getting down to business. Picking up his guitar and strumming the opening strands of "High Cost of Living," fans knew they were in for a country adventure. Doing what he does best, Johnson went straight into one song after another with very little talk. Instead, he let the music speak volumes to the fans. Johnson sang all of the cuts off of his "That Lonesome Song" album while intertwining them with cover hits and unreleased material. The only thing missing was his latest radio hit, "My Way to You," in which he opted to play "Back to Macon." Fellow songwriter, Lee Thomas Miller from Nicholasville joined Jamey on stage to perform on guitar on "In Color," a song that Miller, Johnson, and Otto cowrote and received many accolades. Johnson invited the Kentucky audience to join in and sing along to the lyrics midway through the song.
After performing for two hours, Johnson simply sat his guitar down and raised his cup to say thanks for coming. However, with the ongoing chant of "Jamey, Jamey", fans were greeted once again by the band and Johnson. They performed an encore over an hour filled with hits such as "Tulsa Time," "Old Habits," "Dinosaur," "Midnight Rider," "Outlaw Women," "Give It Away," and "For the Good Times." The crowd was completely silenced as they heard the powerful vocals during the tune Johnson sang as a child in church, "Near the Cross." Johnson concluded the show with a powerful reindition of "The Ride," as made famous by David Allan Coe.
Johnson and Otto proved to take fans on the perfect ride down the country music trail. The show will be one that fans will be talking about for years to come.
Comments
I bought His cd about a month ago, and i still listen to it today. I love his songs and, the way he sings them. I hope the he has plans to throw some concerts in Tx soon!! keep on riding Cowboy!!
I am sorry that I missed it. I would go to every one of his concerts if I could.
Jamey, I just wanted to say thank you for your music. I have listened to your cd a thousand times. My mother, daughter(13), and myself were fortunate enough to see you in Winchester, KY. You and your music are amazing. You are truly blessed as a song writer and an entertainer. You are what country music is about.
Thanks Jamey for putting this on the website. This was definitely a great weekend with 2 back to back shows by Jamey & Kent Hardly Playboys. :)
This show was great!!! They all did a great job and there were a TON of FANS!!!
I saw him in myrtle beach for the third time this year and it was the best. He played until 1:45, the bar ran out of beer and closed and he was still on the stage. Played covers of George Jones, Vern Gosdin, Waylon, Seger, it was awesome. I'll be seeing him again next month in Raleigh...
I've been to Lykins shows for years, and this year was the best! More people and better music. Jamey Johnson had brought country back to its roots!
Went to the concert but only got to see about the first 4 songs of Jamey. Because some high school punks wanted to stand in front of us after jamey went on and was not there till Jamey started. Kentuckey state police got to be the biggest JACKASS I have ever met to throw a family out of a festival for asking some punks to sit down. And to beat it all I had my 5 year old girl with me. Thanks Kentuckey state police for ruining my 200 mile trip to there with my family and if I had it to do all over I should have at least smacked the crap out of those punks to keep them from doing that to some other grown ups. Sorry know this is not a complint board but just saw how good the show turned out and figured I would blow off some steam. But atleast I get to see Randy Houser again here in knoxville,TN. Keep up the awesome songs Jamey.Oh and by the way does anybody know why Wyde Battle was not playing with Jamey at this show hope he is still with Jamey.
awesome review!
And it does not get any better than that!! Well. except if Jamey did a Meet and Greet to boot!! He is country music at it's best--I love every show--each one adds to the next--can't wait for his new album!!