From the first time I heard a country music artist marry the true-to-life lyrics with rifftastic melodies inspired by the likes of AC/DC, I told anyone that listened that this was a niche that could be filled by one or two artists in country music.  Chris Cagle first attempted to fill this segment of the country industry and was followed by Big & Rich and, at about the same time, Jason Aldean. While Big & Rich never really were a radio act, Jason Aldean has been the perfect blend of country and rock and, oddly enough, using Big Kenny and John Rich co-written tunes Jason scored right out of the gate with hits like “Hicktown,” “Amarillo Sky,”  and “Why.”  The hits continued with Jason’s first single from his sophomore album Relentless as “Johnny Cash” made the rounds and immediately made the album a hit. 

As Jason scored these hits, he built up a reputation as a master showman who really connects with the audience.  Prepping his third album, Aldean moved from supporting to headline status and has, over the last year or so saw his shows move from an average of 2,000 screaming fans to 6,000 and more.  His latest hits “She’s Country” and “Big Green Tractor” have helped take Jason even further up the charts, cementing his A-list status.  As if to re-affirm everything I said, Jason and his label Broken Bow Records partnered with Eagle Rock Entertainment to produce a concert DVD of his dynamic live show from the Knoxville Coliseum on March 6, 2009 in Knoxville, TN.

The DVD, titled Wide Open Live & More features all of Jason’s hits, like those mentioned above, along with some of his best ‘fan favorite’ songs like “Asphalt Cowboy.” Performed acoustically during the show’s encore, that song really showcases Aldean’s talent aside from the radio hits.  Other good showcases for Aldean’s range include “I Break Everything I Touch,” “Wide Open” (from the album of the same name), and “On My Highway.”  The DVD also includes a bonus documentary called Up Close and Personal with Jason Aldean.”

Fans that have seen an Aldean show know that the singer isn’t the only talent on the stage as his road band help him create that sound that’s made him a star.  Drummer Rich Redmund even gets a drum solo to showcase his talent while his band mates -bassist and band leader Tully Kennedy, guitarist Mike Frey and lead guitarist Kurt Allison- and Jason take a quick break.  The band rocks in all the right places and if they sound as good live as the records do there is a reason for this –they actually play on the record.

With his three hit albums for Broken Bow Records Jason Aldean has certainly filled that country/rock niche with convincing authority.  With Wide Open Live & More Jason has joined an elite class of country entertainers that truly inspire fans to come to see their show, just like he’s inspired them to buy his albums and now, this DVD (which was certified gold by the RIAA before even being released to the public).

You can watch a video of "Johnny Cash" from this performance DVD by clicking here.

Check out Jason Aldean lyrics and chords in the COWPIE database by clicking here.

You can support Jason Aldean by purchasing this DVD at Amazon (DVD or Blu-Ray).