Keith Urban Skips the Glitz at BMI Party Performance
Keith Urban remains one of the most appealing country performers, in my opinion, because he's not hiding behind a smokescreen. What you see is what you get. After graciously accepting some trophies and certificates for his No. 1 hit, "Sweet Thing," he brought up his band and played four songs last night in the lobby of BMI, the performing rights organization. For a few minutes, I forgot that he's now international superstar Keith Urban. Leaning against the receptionist's desk, I was thinking, "Man, that guy's come a long way." I feel fortunate that I've seen him rise through the ranks since the Ranch and stay true to his vision. His shows from the last few years are among my favorite concerts because it was just him, a band and that enormous screen so you could see his fingers fly. In other words, he focused on music, not spectacle. I realize he's probably the most famous guy in Nashville right now, yet I still think of him as a musician and not a celebrity, and I hope that continues. Unfortunately, he didn't play anything new at BMI, other than "Sweet Thing," so I'm still curious about what's next.
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Gail says:
AWWW, Mr. Shelburne…this was a wonderful read! I totally agree with everything you said! I’ve been supporting Keith for about 9 years now and have been so proud to be a fan of his! He seems so down to earth and it’s truly all about the music with him and that’s what I love about him. No fanfare….just Keith, his guitar, and a great song! I hope we will have many more years of following this awesome artist!
Crazymonkey9 says:
Craig, well said. Keith is a FANTASTIC performer!!! I’m a “monkey” if you can’t tell by my name, and a proud one at that.
Just had to say thank you for those kind words about Mr. Keith Urban.
:)
Musicintheblood says:
Keith is the best!
cj says:
One thing I like about Keith is he is for real. It is all about the music for him. You can see in his face how happy he is when he is singing or playing. He has a great voice but he is also a great guy.
Mary says:
Thanks to you Craig…….I love reading your articles! Thanks to Keith Urban and the great artist that he is! Most of all thanks to Keith for just being himself and flashing that beautiful smile. He seems to really appreciate everything that he has received. He has really given Nashville a great name! I wish him and his family all the best!
RedMaZ says:
You also said about todays fiddle players and bands that feature fiddle “These days, it’s either way too loud-almost to prove that the song is country-or else it’s buried in the mix”. Which is obviously not true. So as far as Urban goes…I really don’t see what the attraction is musically. You make it sound like this is some rare thing, that a musician puts the music first. Maybe it is in your genre, but it’s common place in mine. That’s what draws me to it. I know 100’s of artists with a passion for music.
Windy3 says:
Keith is so real through his music and nature. He has come so far and has so much farther to go…………… a super musician and easy on the eyes as well……. Love you Keith and wish only the best for you and your family.
Craig Shelburne says:
Redmaz, I do listen to mainstream and alternative country (as you know), although I’m not interested in judging one against the other. However, that fiddle comment (in the Tracy Lawrence blog entry) pertained to mainstream country music, when you don’t hear the fiddle prominently as often as you used to, even 10 years ago. And yes, Carrie Rodriguez features a lot of fiddle on her records, which is a relief, considering she’s a fiddle player.
MiaT says:
Keith needs no glitz or glamor. TALENT is what he has. He is one of the best!
DIAMOND says:
KEITH URBAN SHOULD WIN EOTY!!!!!!
RedMaZ says:
Well if you are going to talk about Mainstream Pop Country than please say so. Not everyone here is ignorant to the fact that Pop Country only makes up about 10% of today’s Country Music scene. To lump it all together is not only ridiculous, but an insult to my intelligence. In most cases Pop and Roots music are worlds apart. Next time please be more specific.
stonecold says:
RedMaZ,
As much intelligence as you seem to have I didn’t think it was possable to insult you.
RedMaZ says:
One thing that draws me to intelligence is that it is a wonderful substitute for ignorance. Now in your opinion stoned, how much intelligence does it take to know about Roots Music? And do you believe it’s an important factor when talking about today’s music scene. Especially in Country and Rock.
tyson says:
i need more info about him lol lol