The Band Perry showcase their pioneer spirit with Kentucky tour stop

The Band Perry - photo by Jessica Bray

Last night, award winning country trio, The Band Perry, brought their top game when they performed at The Arena in Corbin, Ky. It was an ideal tour stop on their concert tour, "We Are Pioneers," given that Daniel Boone lead a group of pioneers through the Cumberland Gap just down the road from The Arena. Fans were lead through a musical journey through the likes of Lindsay Ell, Easton Corbin, and The Band Perry.

Starting things off was newcomer, Lindsay Ell, equipped with a pink Les Paul guitar showing off her guitar licks that can put some guys to shame. Ell shined with her vocal and guitar skills while mixing original songs such as "Don't Take Me Home" and the beautiful acoustic song, "Not Another Me," alongside cover songs of Keith Urban and Lenny Kravitz. She concluded her set with her song, "Trippin' On Us," that will have a video debut on CMT soon.

Following Lindsay Ell was country crooner Easton Corbin. Easing into his set, his traditional country music style was a favorite among fans. Corbin showcased his talents that fans know him best for with songs "Little More Country Than That," "Roll With It," and "All Over the Road." He also sprinkled in a few cover songs, including "Where I Come From" by Alan Jackson, "Brand New Man" by Brooks and Dunn, and "If You're Gonna Play in Texas" by Alabama.

After Easton Corbin's set, the lights were dimmed and flashed up on the triple screens were the images of each of The Band Perry with a countdown to showtime. Smoke filled the stage and up on the top of the middle staircase were the country music trio to start off their hit song, "Done." The fast pace set that lasted for 2 hours was full of crowd interaction and personal reflections of songs. One of the most memorable parts was when the American flag was lead to the middle of the stage as the fiddle played the "Star Spangled Banner." You could hear a pin drop as the crowd raised to its feet. The band would then go into their song, "Pioneer," followed up with an elegant version of "Amazing Grace."

With strong performances of "All My Life," "I'm a Keeper," "Postcard From Paris," "If I Die Young," and many more of their hit songs, The Band Perry earned their right to headline their own tour. The future is looking bright for the Tennessee trio and continue to be the ones to watch in the field of music.

Easton Corbin: True to Tradition

Easton Corbin

With a voice with a Texas twang, you would think Easton Corbin hailed from the big state of Texas. However, this Florida native has been surprising many in the music industry.  With his charming looks and  vocals that are reminiscent of a young George Strait, you feel like you are sitting on the back porch while he sings about the country life.

Corbin's first single, "Little More Country Than That," proved that he is countrier than some on the country charts.  In fact, the song reached number one much to country music fans delight.  His latest release has added staying power in an industry that newcomers are either loved or loathed.

Easton Corbin is the real country deal.  From showing livestock while being a member of the FFA and 4-H clubs to growing up in a small town, he's lived the life.  He also knew he had a desire to entertain and sing country music.

“One of my earliest memories is from when I was three or four,” he remembers. “I was sitting between my parents in the car and a song came on the radio—it was Mel McDaniel’s ‘Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On’. I began using the gearshift as my microphone. The desire has always been there.”

There is no mistake in listening to Corbin's music, he has an influence of Strait, alongside Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard, and George Jones.  In fact, his producer Carson Chamberlain originally toured with Keith Whitley as steel guitar player and bandleader. “We really hit it off,” Easton says. “I love traditional music and he does too. I knew he was the producer for me.”

For the album itself, it contains strong material from the start with "Roll With It," a fun tune to let the good times roll and leave the pressures of life behind.  What woman wouldn't love to hear the line "I like the way love looks, the way it looks on you," as in the song "Way Love Looks."  Corbin eases in with swagger on the tune that is sure to appeal to the ladies and lines that the guys will try to use.

The strongest song on the album is perhaps the strongest words that someone could never imagine hearing.  Corbin excels vocally and emotionally with "I Can't Love You Back" as he sings that he can give it his all, but he cannot love you back.  I would highly recommend this song to be released as a single someday.

The final cut of the album, "Leavin' a Lonely Town," is a perfect bookend to the album.  Hailing from the small rural community of Gilchrist County, Florida, Easton Corbin left the small town life for bigger dreams in Nashville.  Thankfully he took the chance and made the move.

Country music radio needs to take note of this young man.  Easton Corbin is becoming a fast rising star with staying power and longevity.  Country music fans should take listen to his latest self title release out in stores today.  Traditional country music has never looked so good.

Easton Corbin will be playing in Kentucky on these dates:
Sat 04/10/10   Prestonsburg, KY  Mountain Arts Center
Fri 06/25/10    Louisville, KY  4th Street Live!
Sun 09/05/10   Winchester, KY  Lykins Park

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