When Jerry Douglas Calls, Garth Brooks Answers
Jerry Douglas figured he'd shoot for the moon when he realized that he could bring whoever he wanted during his four concerts at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. So his first call was to Garth Brooks -- who immediately accepted. So did Trisha Yearwood. And their appearance together Tuesday night (Sept. 30) at the museum's Ford Theater was one of the best-kept secrets in town. After playing a handful of familiar songs, backed by an incredibly talented band, Douglas exclaimed, "It's just like karaoke with the real people!"
The music, of course, was phenomenal. With Douglas on Dobro and Yearwood on harmonies, Brooks sounded like a million bucks on "Don't Cross the River" and "Callin' Baton Rouge," while longtime fans of Yearwood embraced her rendition of "The Nightingale." Brooks told Douglas, "When we move here as hopeful musicians, we want to mean to our gift what you have come to mean to yours." Just before singing a standout version of "Walkaway Joe," Yearwood told Douglas, "When we recorded this song, I knew something magical was about to happen, and you were a huge, huge part of that."
Despite such star power, the show was nearly stolen by New Grass Revival singer John Cowan's rousing take on "A Good Woman's Love." People couldn't get to their feet fast enough on the last big note. Irish singer Maura O'Connell also sent goosebumps up and down my arms when she delivered a passionate version of "Helpless Heart." And you can't deny the camaraderie between Douglas and his close friends, Tim O'Brien and Russ Barenberg. After nearly three hours of music, Douglas concluded the night by wishing that he could do 10 more of these shows. He's not the only one.
Photo by Donn Jones, courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame.
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diane says:
Wow Garth and Trisha finally together at last musically..Love it..Wish I were there..
RedMaZ says:
With Cowan there, I’m sure Brooks DID sound like a Karaoke singer.
shrineklown says:
My wife and I sat in seats h1 and h2 for the show and my heart pounded the entire time. Jerry was amazing as always; the rest was just icing on the cake. Thanks Jerry!
John Lane says:
Maura O’Connel has to be experienced live to be believed. She is one truly amazing singer and has worked with Jerry for a long time now. I’m sure they sounded amazing together!!!
Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley Score CMA Awards Hosting Duties | The 9513 says:
[...] his artist-in-residence concert at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Tuesday night, Jerry Douglas brought in special guests Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood for a star-studded night that Craig Shelburne deemed [...]
BigRedHoosier says:
Surprised Garth would sing “Callin’ Baton Rouge” since the the true master of the song is John Cowan. Maybe that’s why the Karaoke comment was made - Garth is a karaoke singer when compared to John Cowan! NO ONE CAN SING LIKE JOHN COWAN!!!!!
sherry says:
John Cowan is truly the man with the voice.I would rather go to hear him sing than anyone in the music entire music business.John gives it his all to his fans.Happy for you John.
Kate says:
Was at the gig and I have to say it was wicked!! Jerry D was his usual amazing self. (Always makes it look easy - the good ones always do)! The singing highlights for me were John Cowan and Maura O’Connell - simply amazing!! Would love to hear those two duet tho I think they recorded something together a few years back. Keep on keeping on you guys!!!