Saturday, October 29, 2005

What Can Brown Do For You?

Many people know that I don't watch American Idol. I believe the reason for that is that I'm not really a fan of current pop music. There is something missing there. I tend to look back and think of the first search for musical talent instead... Star Search. As you can see in the picture, there's Ed McMahon. Sure, I don't think he knew much about music at the time (they did branch off into comedy, dancing and comedy with much success) but there sure were some amazing people that used that show as a stepping stone.

The show was a fixture in our household growing up and, for some reason, the winners seemed to be pretty obvious for awhile. It was almost like a Survivor talent show when there were people of equal talent. Sure, everyone knows about Britney Spears appearing on the show. Even Sinbad, Sam Harris, Dennis Miller, Drew Carey, Rosie O'Donnell, Alanis Morissette, Martin Lawrence, Justin Timberlake, Ray Romano, LeAnn Rimes and Christina Aguilera made decent careers for themselves after appearing on the show that ran from 1983 to 1995. But then, there was this 5-piece country band that was embraced by the studio and television audience that won the $100,000 grand prize on the show and got signed to a recording contract right afterwards named... Sawyer Brown.

Friday night was my first time seeing Sawyer Brown since I first watched them on Star Search. The band have been together now for more than 23 years, performed over 3500 shows and have collected many gold and platinum albums. I actually don't have any of their CDs (this will be remedied.) The show was phenomenal. Unexpected witty banter between the band members, great cover songs and a tight sound seem to be a staple of their shows from most of the crowd reaction. The energy of lead vocalist Mark Miller is astounding. Sure, he dances funny but after awhile you get past that. Keyboardist Gregg 'Hobie' Hubbard stands out though. He has an amazing ear for vocal harmony and plays the hell out of that Yamaha he has on stage. His vocal on their cover of Joe Walsh's "Life Is Good" had me floored. This isn't to say that the rest of the band were slouches. I'm just amazed that I might never have seen them if it weren't for the kindness of Dan and Robin offering the tickets. I'm very thankful. Now I need to find a good greatest hits collection for them. I'll work on that later. Gotta get ready for a Halloween party and maybe sneak a nap in.

8 comments:

Fred said...

I used to love Star Search. The version they brought back with Arsenio was so-so; nothing spectacular.

The only good American Idol clips are the ones of the really bad singers. Hilarious stuff, in my opinion.

Holly said...

Hi there! I am here via Fred's Blog!

Our family used to watch Star Search too!

And Sawyer Brown! It is great to hear that you enjoyed the concert! I remember listending to them with my parents. I grew up listening to country music when Alabama was "it" and Dan Seals, and Mikey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys....etc....

Great Blog! I will definately be back!

BeckEye said...

I remember Sawyer Brown on Star Search. For some reason, I thought the lead singer was cute. I don't anymore. I never listen to their music now but I know they've enjoyed quite a bit of success.

How I miss Star Search...and Solid Gold! Those were the days.

LoraLoo said...

I never did watch much Star Search, but I did watch Solid Gold religiously. That was a great show in its day.

I doubt highly I've ever heard Sawyer Brown. I respect country artists, but the music still gives me a headache. :)

RT said...

Star Search and Solid Gold... Oh man, that brings back the memories, lol.

I used to like the group dancers on Star Search. Those kids were like rubber or something, the way they could move.

Unknown said...

I love that joe walsh song :)

i too refuse to watch that Idol crap.

Teri said...

Solid Gold, now that brings a smile to my face. I use to watch Star Search too and yes I am an American Idol fan, can't wait for the new season to start. Got to get my one dose of reality tv from somewhere.

Jenn Doll said...

I miss Star Search! Like alot. I was a dedicated fan of the show.

Martin, quit seeing good shows, damnit! I'm getting jealous. Or at least invite.