No nonsense country from an authentic Alan Jackson

Photos by Daniel DeSlover

Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson had no problem filling Madison’s Alliant Energy Center on the strength of a multi-platinum catalog that spans 17 studio albums throughout nearly three decades. Just past his 60th birthday, the singer/songwriter was in fine voice and showed no signs of slowing down throughout 90-minutes that mirrored his box set “Genuine,” launching into “Gone Country” after a brief video showcased a stream of accolades.

The only element missing was a campfire, but the Alan Jackson hits kept right on coming including “Little Bitty,” “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning),” “Don’t Rock The Jukebox,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Chattahoochee.”

Though Jackson paused here and there for a few anecdotes from over the years, he kept it lively with a plethora of his most memorable material. The upbeat “I Don’t Even Know Your Name” quickly had fans shuffling on their feet and the thoughtful “Livin’ On Love” set the tone for what would become a stripped-down, boot-stompin’ country show.

While the veteran’s own roots run deep, he found time to salute a few of his favorites, including Hank Williams Jr.’s ballad “The Blues Man,” a honky-tonk version of Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues,” and Charly McClain’s “Who’s Cheatin’ Who.” Jackson and his band also dialed it back towards the middle of the set, taking a seat on stools at the center of the stage during “Here In The Real World” and “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” and bringing intimacy to the otherwise sizeable arena.

The only element missing was a campfire, but the hits kept right on coming including “Little Bitty,” “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning),” “Don’t Rock The Jukebox,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Chattahoochee.” Relative newcomer William Michael Morgan was a solid choice for support, offering up a taste of his traditional angle that paired well with the headliner’s several instances of country that’s as authentic as it comes.

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For additional information on Alan Jackson, visit AlanJackson.com.

For a list of upcoming concerts at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, visit AlliantEnergyCenter.com.