The countdown to Country Jam 2011 continues…
We’re still months away from Country Jam 2011 in Eau Claire, but at CML we’re previewing the artists at the show right now. Click on the image above for the entire article series on Country Jam and other events in the Chippewa Valley this summer.
Let’s check out the next Jam artist…
Country Jam 2011 Preview: Easton Corbin
This will be Easton Corbin’s first appearance at Country Jam in Eau Claire. I’m pretty excited to see him live. In fact, this might be the show I’m most looking forward to this year.
Sometime in the fall of 2009 is when I first heard A Little More Country Than That
It was a surprise to hear this kind of country coming from a new artist. It was a little bit of a disappointment to hear such a great song wasn’t George, but I can’t complain too much. George is always releasing great songs.
Anyway – back to Easton.
That first hit song soon climbed all the way to the top of the chart. Easton joined a small group of artist to reach the number one spot on the country singles charts with their first single release. To back that up Easton released the follow up single Roll With It
Now it’s 2011 and Easton’s third single is in the top 15 on the charts and rising.
Will Easton be able to make it three for three?
The odds are in his favor.
It’s been just over a year since most people started recognizing Easton Corbin on radio and on TV. He’s starting to hit the big time on the touring circuit too as his star shines brighter. He’s playing the 7:15pm slot on Thursday at Country Jam, which is just one slot before headliner Blake Shelton at 10:00pm.
Easton certainly appears to have what it takes to succeed on radio and on stage. I’m excited to see what he brings to the show that night, but the question does have to be asked…
With only three hits, what will Easton sing?
Songs in the Show
When Easton hits the stage as the sun sets on July 21st we can expect to hear his three hit songs. Beyond that the question becomes, “What songs will he play?”.
There are nine more great tracks on Easton’s self-titled debut album. I’m sure we’ll hear most if not all of those. It’ll be a treat for the casual country fan to hear these songs. I’ve played the album through a number of times and there could be at least 3 or even 4 more singles from the set if Easton’s label wanted.
Beyond those tracks I think we’ll hear some covers from Easton. In order to fill the hour-long slot most of the rising stars do some covers. I’m not sure exactly what we’ll hear from Easton, but I can list a few songs I’d love to hear him sing.
Amarilo By Morning
This song will always belong to King George, but Easton can put his modern day traditionalist spin on it.
I Don’t Call Him Daddy
Doug Supernaw isn’t covered by too many artists these days, but if they would go back and check out his hits they’d find a few gems. This song and Reno seem like the perfect fit for Easton.
Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow
Alan Jackson was the master at finding great cover songs. Now that AJ is heading into the later parts of his career I think it’s time some of today’s great artists – like Easton Corbin – start singing a few of AJ’s classics.
Beyond those wishes it seems there are a few songs Easton does cover in his live show:
- Desperado Love – Conway Twitter Cover
- Miami, My Amy – Keith Whitley Cover
- The Chair – George Strait Cover
It’s no surprise to see George in there. Easton does a great job on the song (in between the screaming women).
And Keith Whitley? Awesome.
I can’t wait.
I’m sure we’ll here some great music from Easton for the hour or so he’s up on stage at Jam. He’ll probably have a few songs that sound perfect for his voice, but don’t put it past him to throw in a surprise or two with songs out of left field. The good artists have a way with throwing audiences for a loop.
New Music
After hearing Easton’s current hits and a few album tracks along with some covers it would be time for some new music. It’s been three singles now and by July we may have another new single from Easton out at radio.
That song could be from the current album or it could be from an upcoming release.
Even if there is a fourth single from Easton’s debut album I think there is a good chance we’ll hear some new music. I’ve seen a couple artists in the past and the newer ones especially like to try out new material for the live audiences. It gives them a chance to learn what their growing audience likes.
It would be fun to hear a song for the first time live and then hear it a few months down the road on radio.
Summary
Easton Corbin has two number one singles and a third on the way.
That’s a big accomplishment for a new artist to hit it big the first two times out. It’s not something that’s been done before by many others. Darius Rucker did it recently with his first country album, but he had the background in pop music before. Zac Brown came close. Clay Walker achieved it with his first two singles. If Easton can get three in a row he’d be in extremely elite company.
When Easton hits the stage this summer at Country Jam I’ll be anxiously awaiting. I’m excited for his show. I love the kind of traditional country music he sings. He and Chris Young seem to be the carriers of the traditionalist flame today in country music. I saw Chris last summer and I can’t wait to hear Easton for the first time.
I’m not sure exactly what to expect from the show, but there should be a heavy dose of Easton’s first album, some great cover songs, and perhaps even a sampling of new music.
Country Jam fans are in for a treat.
