Alan Jackson keeps delivering at the San Antonio Rodeo

Alan Jackson keeps delivering at the rodeo
By Jim Beal Jr.
mysanantonio.com - Friday, February 24, 2012

The show: For his 15th concert at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo on Thursday night, Alan Jackson did what he’s known for — he delivered the goods, the honest goods, strong country songs sung from the heart.

With a long string of hits from which to draw, the Georgia-born Jackson, backed by his on-the-mark, eight-piece Strayhorns band, opened strong with “Good Time” and stayed strong with “Livin’ On Love,” “Little Bitty,” “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” and “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”

Jackson is mellow and laid back onstage, but he’s a master of pacing and a smart bandleader who gives his players time in the spotlight. Jackson mixed up-tempo tunes such as “Country Boy” with ballads and poignant numbers including “Remember When,” “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” and his new single, “You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore.”

It’s a safe bet there’ll be a 16th rodeo concert in Alan Jackson’s future.

The crowd: The AT&T Center was filled to the last row of seats. Fans in San Antonio still love real-deal country music.