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Concert Review: Sawyer Brown |
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Reviewed by Jolene Downs
Don't let anyone tell you that the men who make up Sawyer Brown aren't good sports. They were scheduled for an outdoor show in Valdosta, GA on January 18, and it was during one a record breaking cold spell for the area. The temperatures were in the mid 40's with a cool breeze blowing through. The fairly good-sized crowd of people who braved the chilly weather with their lawn chairs and blankets were a testament to the immense popularity of Sawyer Brown.
At 3:00 pm, Mark Miller and the boys hit the stage full of energy and ready to go. It is darned near impossible to get a photo of the entire band as none of them stay still. I've never seen so much energy all in one spot before. I wouldn't say Mark can dance - but boy does he give it his best shot. He is moving all over the stage in some really strange gyrations - giving my daughter some good laughs. The rest of the band doesn't just stand around either. They, too, move all over the stage to make sure all the fans have a chance to see them. Duncan brought his guitar to the very edge of the stage on both ends to give some lucky fans that weren't able to be front and center some great photo opportunities. Mark made some appearances on the ends of the stage too, but only those with speedy cameras could get a shot of him standing still. Mark said their booking agent is always booking them in places like MI, MN, WI, etc. during the winter months. They kept telling the agent to book them a few southern shows too, so they were so excited to see the GA date on the tour. He said he came running off the bus in the morning when they pulled in with his t-shirt and shorts, and thought they went to the wrong state. He had to go running back on the bus for a Wal-Mart trip to buy long johns. The audience was roaring with laughter.
The band, which had remained with Curb Records since the beginning of their career, just signed a contract with Disney-owned Lyric Street Records and are currently working on a brand new album. Their last album was, Can You Hear Me Now, and the guys made much of the fact that there is an annoying commercial out now that has that same saying. They had the audience in stitches joking around with that. The sense of humor in the band is quick to surface and you never know who is going to be on the receiving end next. They had a continuous banter going between themselves and the crowd during their entire 90 minute set. They pulled serious faces and said that a couple of years ago, they were asked to go to LA and perform a song for a major movie. They then proceeded to tell us that they were the real "Soggy Bottom Boys" and then did a passable version of "Man of Constant Sorrow." Dan Tyminski would have been proud.
With as many years in the business as they have, the guys in Sawyer Brown have quite a selection of songs to choose from in their shows. They went through a good share of their earlier hits, some from their last album and a few cover songs to showcase each of the band members. I did miss "Leona," and "Betty's Bein' Bad," but there are just too many songs to squeeze them ALL in. If you have the chance to see these guys perform live, take it. You will not be disappointed. They are wonderful, and they have not forgotten who helped them get where they are - the fans.
Set List:
- I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends
- Six Days
- The Race Is On
- This Time
- Café on the Corner
- The Walk
- I Know
- Can You Hear Me Now
- Man of Constant Sorrow
- 800 Pound Jesus
- Dirt Road
- Kokomo
- Thank God For You
- The Boys & Me
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