There aren’t many more genuine stadium concerts than the one George Strait headlined on Saturday at a crowded Soldier Field. The legendary singer-guitarist, without overdoing nostalgia, harked back to a simpler, purer age of country music. He was as calm, straightforward, and unruffled as his name implies. He performed songs from the past 50 years that were traditional in nature and seemed to have been around for a long time, even if they were just a few years old or brand-new. He did this without pretension or frills.
With the incredible backing of his Ace in the Hole band, Strait spoke about freedom, religion, and the gaps that sometimes exist between those concepts. The Texan exuded a poise, confidence, modesty, and steadiness that at first glance seemed simple, but that complemented the stories’ relatability, realism, and directness. The deceptively straightforward aspect of Strait’s craft and its everyday ubiquity were further highlighted by his astute combination of comedy and seriousness.
Likewise, he handled the contemporary accoutrements of big-budget entertainment. Put a stop to costume changes, blinding lights, choreographed performances, long stage platforms, and prepared repartee. Ignore the need for egotistical braggadocio, backing track assistance, fashionable irony, or fan-pleasing pandering. These aren’t the customs of the traditional Texas dance hall, after all.
You basically get the man himself when you work with Strait. wearing a black cowboy hat, cowboy boots, Wrangler blue jeans, and a button-down shirt. keeping to the same acoustic guitar throughout. speaking in a calm, steady, clear, rich, and polished voice that is skilled in word choice, brevity, and tone. With the help of an 11-piece group of seasoned musicians who were so comfortable with each other in the arrangements that their fluid motions frequently gave the impression of a smaller orchestra. They and Strait effectively formed an ensemble that was well-versed in the techniques, approaches, and steps of big-band Western swing.
