Brad Paisley played Konocti Harbor Resort's indoor showroom on August 4, 2004. Opening for him was local Bay Area group, the California Cowboys. I have seen them several times here opening for various artists, and enjoyed their 45-50 minute set. They mentioned they were in the works of getting a major label record deal in Nashville. I hope that works out for them.
Ever since Brad came out with Who Needs Pictures, I've loved his music, and have seen him three times before. Once in 2000, at a small bar and grill, with Yankee Grey opening. The second time was in 2001 at the Las Vegas Hilton, with Chely Wright opening for him. Then last year, when he was part of Brooks & Dunn's Neon Circus Tour. He's never disappointed.
There was a break of about 15 minutes after the California Cowboys set, where their equipment was moved off the stage, and Brad's equipment, which was all ready, just under cover, was set up and checked out. About 9:15 pm, Brad was all ready to hit the stage. He opened with with "Wrapped Around," then moved into "Two Feet of Top Soil."
Brad asked if there were any California Rednecks in the audience. He said the next song was dedicated to them, and played "Mud on the Tires," and then "Me Neither" during which he tossed out guitar picks into the audience. His crew would add a strip of picks to the mic stand and he would rip them off and toss them out, and 20 seconds later the crew guy would come back with another strip of picks. I think he went through about three strips of picks. I didn't get any, but someone near me did.
Brad has some great songs, like "We Danced," "He Didn't Have To Be," "Little Things," "Celebrity" "That's Love," and of course, his great instrumental songs, and the duet with Alison Krauss, "Whiskey Lullaby," and he played them all.
Brad asked during one part of the show "How many women have somethng they would like to change about their man?" Some women raised their hands. Brad said this is the Dr. Phil part of the show. He said that he's no expert, but that the thing you need most is honesty in a relationship. And the second thing is knowing when NOT to be honest. He then asked "How many men have something they would like to change about their women?" Some men raised their hands, and Brad scolded them. He said that was the wrong thing to say, cuz after the show, when they're driving home in the car, she'll say first of all "What a fantastic show Brad Paisley put on!" Then, she'll ask him.. "Remember when Brad asked what if you wanted to change something about your woman, and you raised your hand? What did you mean?" And Brad looked at everyone straight faced and said "That's when you lie." This lead into "That's Love."
Brad showed his guitar skills throughout the show, but really got into it during "Sharp Dressed Man." He also played a couple of the instrumental tunes he has on his albums.
After introducing the band, in which each band member was from a city in California, with the last band member from Kelseyville itself. That got the biggest roar of approval. We all knew he was kidding, of course.