| Concert Review: Craig Morgan | |
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Reviewed by Jolene Downs
On January 25, 2002, Craig Morgan performed a very unique show in Ocala, FL. I am so glad I was able to be a part of it. He gave the audience something that I doubt happens very often in the daily rush of someone who has a career that is taking off with a bang. He donated his time to perform an acoustic set for local radio station WTRS 102.3. The DJ's on that station have had an ongoing friendship with Craig since they first interviewed him a few years ago. He was performing close by and agreed to give his time for a station promotion. The station gave the tickets away; and that was the ONLY way to make it into this special show.
Craig came in with his keyboard player, Craig Morris. It was a very intimate show, and very informal. I think that made it all the more special. Craig had flown in from Kansas, leaving in the very early morning hours. Even being extremely tired, he still honored his commitment and Ocala found out what kind of a person Craig Morgan is. He is a person dedicated to God, his family and his country. Gee, it is almost as though he has a song out about those things now. He talked to the audience throughout the whole show about many different things.
Craig Morris is a very talented songwriter along with being Craig Morgan's keyboard player. He is also a very humorous person, and it quickly became apparent that it was the Craig and Craig comedy show. You could tell that these two men get along great and respect each other a great deal. Craig Morris is a songwriter behind many of Reba McEntire's hits. They had not sat down and wrote down a song list for the evening, so many of the songs were audience requests and a "let's try this one" attitude. Craig even opened up to a question and answer session from the audience for about 20 minutes. I have never seen an artist do this and I've been to many, many shows.
Craig sang many of his singles from his first album. He also sang some new material from his soon to be released CD. He closed his set with his current chart single, "God, Family and Country." It earned him a standing ovation from the appreciative audience. After his show, he sat in the lobby until everyone who wished to meet him had the opportunity to do so. It was very apparent that Craig was dead tired from his long day, but it did not dampen the obvious love he has for what he has chosen as his career.
I would definitely go see Craig again if he comes back to this area. He is a down-to-earth person and based on the acoustic set he performed while dead tired, I would love to see his show when he is fully rested and with a full back-up band. I would guess it would be well worth the ticket price.
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