Double Trouble Tour Double Delight At Lake

The dynamic duo of Tritt and Stuart each played stellar solo sets and then completed the evening with a dueling jam that had the large opening night audience on their feet.

While the duo share equal billing on this Double Trouble tour, it is clearly Tritt who is the consummate country entertainer. Whether he likes to admit it or not, Tritt was identified as one of the first crossover artists (capturing pop as well as pure country listeners). 1989's "Country Club" took care of that nicely. So what makes Tritt at his very essence pure and different than many others after him? It is his definitive song writing and stylings.

Tritt showcased much of that ability at Saturday night's Harvey Lake show. "Foolish Pride," "Draggin' My Heart Around" and "Ten Feet Tall and Bulletproof" sounded superb. Even songs like the syrupy "Can I Trust You With My Heart" dripped with emotion and were augmented by pristine sound.

Tritt also showcased songs from his forthcoming recording "Restless Kind." The title track was an especially strong offering. Tritt's backing band complimented his playing and singing at every turn.

Marty Stuart's set, while certainly less dynamic, was no less entertaining as the Mississippi native delivered a menu of songs to please his most ardent fans. "Western Girls," "Kiss Me, I'm Gone," "Now That's Country" and "Burn Me Down" were expertly delivered. It seemed though that when Stuart really hit stride (during the show closer "Hillbilly Rock"), the set was over. Although the band and sound people were ready for an encore, none materialized.

Stuart has always been an excellent entertainer in his own right. It just seems that his riding out the joke that he was Eddie Munster became a deflective image of an identity crisis where there was none.

Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart combined for a very strong opening evening of down home country music entertainment at its very best.

Written by Al Choman