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Concert Review: Neal McCoy |
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Reviewed by Jolene Downs
Neal McCoy hit the stage in Ocala, FL on Friday, February 21 ready to do some entertaining. Neal's eleventh album, and his first project with Warner, is due out very soon, and he is really excited about the new album. He performed two songs from it, and they were both excellent.
When you go to a Neal McCoy show, you will understand what earned him the title of Entertainer of the Year twice. You never know what might happen. Neal doesn't use a set list for his shows. Instead, he relies on the feelings of the moment and audience interactions to determine what songs he will perform. That ensures each and every show is fresh and new. There are a few Neal "trademark" songs that you are sure to hear; like "No Doubt About It," "The Shake" and "Wink;" but other than that, your guess is as good as his. Along with the great music, Neal moves around the stage in those tight-fittin' Wranglers and shows he knows how to move to the beat.
While Neal is an established country music performer, he counts a wide variety of musical influences in his growing up years and this interest shows up in his shows. In addition to some great country tunes, he also kicks up the adrenaline with covers of various artists. They can range from the light rock sound of Prince's "Purple Rain," to a Grateful Dead number. Maybe he and the band will kick up a little Texas Swing, Bob Wills style. He uses many of these cover songs to showcase each band member's talents individually. One of my favorite songs by Neal McCoy isn't really 'country,' but I love it anyway. When Neal slaps his baseball hat on backwards and the music starts up, there is almost no alternative but for the audience to move to the beat. He takes the classic Bluegrass song "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" and adds the Harry Belafonte song "Day-O" and combines them into a fast-moving country rap song called "Hillbilly Rap." At the end of the song, the hat flies out into the crowd into eagerly waiting hands. I will admit to really liking that song myself, and it is one of two that keeps me awake while driving through the night.
Neal has a special rapport with his audience. He draws them into the show and makes them feel like they are a part of it. He is constantly chatting with them, and playing special requests. Midway through the show, he'll choose someone to "pick on" and go into a joke session. He has some good ones, some bad ones and some really corny ones. The audience loves every minute because he is using one of their own to joke with and about.
Because of his easy-going style and high-energy onstage performing style, I think Neal is one of the most fun shows to catch live. He just emits an energy onstage that sets him apart from most other acts. When someone truly enjoys what they do for a living, it shows. I would highly recommend seeing Neal McCoy live if you have a chance.
Set List:
