Anderson, Smith show a win, despite Jags
Loading in and cranking up for a sparse crowd can be challenging for a band. Part of the charge musicians get from performing live is the feedback from the audience. Luckily for the small but enthusiastic crowd at Mavericks in Jacksonville on Thursday, both Keith Anderson and Dallas Smith took the challenge in stride, hitting the stage with energy, amps and a good attitude. This was SoundCheck’s first trip to Mavericks, so we have no benchmark of attendance to compare against, but the venue’s personable bartender assured me that even Thursday shows packed out the house on a regular basis. Im sure the Jaguars game a few blocks away had something to do with the turnout (by the way, congratulations to the Jags on their win over the Titans - despite the fact that it mean a loss for my Oregon Duck alumni Marcus Mariota.) Dallas took the stage first, and there is no doubt Smith’s brand of country is more closely related to Chase Rice and Jake Owen than George Straight. If you’re yearning for the twang, slang and trappings of traditional country, you’ll walk away from a Dallas Smith show disappointed. After all, there wasn’t a single cowboy hat or pearl snap in the bunch. If, however, you’re looking for a more contemporary twist, Smith’s well-crafted songs will have no trouble pulling you onto the dance floor. Smith’s songs may take a page from the country playbook by touching heavily on relatable, familiar themes, but this Canadian singer-songwriter adds in a subtle twist to the expected southern-rock beat - perhaps a legacy from his time as lead vocalist for alternative rock band Default. With his recent sweep of the BC Country Music Awards, Smith’s career is hitting the fast lane with his latest album, Lifted, and the newest single, Kids WIth Cars. Pulling in the Fan Choice award at the BC awards, Smith also won Album of the Year (Lifted), Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year (Wastin’ Gas), and even the Website of the Year award (www.dallassmithmusic.com).
COMING UP:
SMITH & ANDERSON PHOTO GALLERY
A LOOK BACK AT KEITH ANDERSON'S PERFORMANCE AT MAVERICKS.