Western Courier

Issue date: 5/6/05 Section: The Edge

Media Credit: Craig Finlay "Nashville Star" winner, Buddy Jewell, sings songs from his new album, "Times Like These."

Media Credit: Craig Finlay Shevy Smith brings a melodic, folky sound to Western Hall.

With emotion and sincerity, Buddy Jewell entertained fans at Western Hall with his heartfelt country hits. An Arkansas native, Jewell stopped in Macomb on April 30 before kicking off a summer tour consisting primarily of fairs and festivals. The 44-year-old singer/guitarist has been in the music business for decades, but gained national recognition in 2003 after winning the first "Nashville Star" competition, country's version of "American Idol."

Jewell's hour-long set featured material from his self-titled debut album, but focused on songs from his just-released sophomore effort, "Times Like These." Backed by a six-piece band, Jewell opened the show with his breakthrough hit, "Help Pour Out The Rain." Inspired by his daughter Lacey, the melodic number showcased Jewell's soothing vocals and impressive songwriting skills. His current single, "If She Were Any Other Woman" also was well received. This slow and rather predictable ballad was number one on the country charts for a steady eight weeks.

At times, Jewell's penchant for pleasant, sentimental songs became a bit much. In the dreadfully sappy "Times Like These," he describes playing sports with his four-year-old son. After fumbling in a football game, he consoles his disappointed son, by reminding him, "Sometimes even daddies drop the ball." How inspiring. Instead of being sweet and sensitive, Jewell just sounded ridiculous.

The musician's best work came when he delved into faster, rowdier numbers. Most notably, he performed a haunting rendition of Bob Seger's "Turn The Page." With extended keyboard and guitar solos, the song had a country rock edge and was a nice change of pace.

As the night went on, Jewell became more animated and personable. In an attempt to connect with the students, he asked if any Pikes were in the audience. He said he belonged to that fraternity when he attended Arkansas State University. When no one responded, Jewell laughed and said, "I guess they're out drinking tonight."

One of Jewell's last and strongest songs, "Sweet Southern Comfort" emerged as a crowd favorite. Anchored by a fluid banjo melody, the number emphasizes the appeal of southern life and provides a "snapshot of down home Dixie" as the lyrics describe.

Although he did not play an encore, Jewell stayed and signed autographs after the show.

Matt Wrage, freshman law enforcement and justice administration major, attended the concert because he enjoys country music as a whole.

"I just like the storylines," he said of the genre. "It's singing about the truth."

Local performer Ashley Hart served as one of Jewell's opening acts. She filled most of her set with cover songs by female country artists, including Shania Twain's "Honey, I'm Home" and Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman."

"I liked Ashley Hart a lot. She was very energetic and entertaining," said Ashley Eizenga, senior finance major.

Hart's pop country approach appealed to crowd members as well and she received a standing ovation after performing Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA."

"Being supported locally is the most important thing an artist like myself can have," Hart said after thanking the audience.

Shevy Smith, 22-year-old Kansas native, was the next warm-up act. This performance marked her second stop in Macomb in two months. Previously, she played at the Daily Grind coffeehouse in Tanner Hall in February. Armed with only her acoustic guitar, Smith sang several melodic numbers from her current album, "Blueprint." Although Smith travels across the country, she enjoyed performing in Macomb again.

"It's very nice to get back to the Midwest," she said. "People just feel right."

Smith's strong, clear vocals and interesting background stories were impressive, but the message of some of her songs was lost in the large venue.

"(Smith) was good. It seemed like a lot of her songs sounded the same though," Wrage said.

In a smaller, more intimate setting, Smith's material would have been much more effective. Still, she delivered a solid performance and was a nice departure from the other country artists.

Collectively, the three-act show was entertaining for country fans, but would not have won over any new converts.

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