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 Over the long July 4th weekend, the Atlanta Rhythm Section traveled
north to the mountains of Virginia to headline Summer Jam 2003
at the Massanutten Ski Resort. The mountain setting provided
a beautiful venue, with the stage set up at the bottom of a ski
slope and the audience sitting up the hill from the stage. After
a three song sound check in the hot late afternoon sun, the crowd
started to arrive. Clouds gathered and a few raindrops fell before
the show, but the clouds broke up and it turned into a beautiful
evening.
Dusk
settled over the mountain valley and ARS took the stage - opening
with
the
long time favorite Back Up Against the Wall.
The opener featured the tight ensemble playing that has become
an ARS trademark along with a couple of fine guitar solos by
Barry Bailey. Andy Anderson then called for “a little Jammin’” and
guitarist Steve Stone struck the opening chords which turned
into a high quality ARS Champagne Jam. Lead singer Andy Anderson
encouraged the crowd - as he would throughout the evening - and
the band took a round of solos -
with bass player Justin Senker featured. Next up was the rocker
Homesick.
As Andy
pointed
out,
Travis Tritt did a cover of this tune, but ARS showed they own
it. Next came the first hit, Doraville, which featured Andy,
keyboard player Dean Daughtry, Steve providing backup vocals
(and a fine harp solo), and some impressive guitar work between
Barry and Steve . The band slowed it down with Not the Only One
from the Eufaula CD - an understated song that is given new life
onstage with Steve, Barry and Justin all featured. Conversation
opened at a slower pace with Steve’s acoustic guitar and
Andy’s vocals, but built to a crescendo with Barry’s
solo work. They picked up the pace again with Large Time. Barry
opened it on guitar along with drummer Jim Keeling with Justin
providing one hearty rebel yell.
Next up was
I’m Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight. Clearly
the crowd agreed as they filled the area directly in front of
the stage - where it was too damp and rough for sitting - and
started dancing. There was great ensemble playing throughout
with Barry really kicking it up a notch with his solos. So Into
You featured another hit song and more great playing. The band
featured some of their musical roots and kept the energy level
high with the next two songs, Jukin’ and Lois Malone. The
classic Spooky was next up. Andy provided an energetic vocal
performance as he did throughout the show, Barry played some
great solos, Dean’s keyboard work was excellent and Steve
played some mean slide. Imaginary Lover brought another hit song
to life, with original members Barry and Dean jamming and the
band briefly breaking into the Stones’ Miss You. Jim was
featured center stage in a fine drum solo that lead into the
classic Outside Woman Blues. There was excellent guitar work
by Barry and Steve, and Steve and Justin appeared to be dancing
in circles—or perhaps they just got their cords tangled
up. The band thanked the appreciative audience and came back
for the traditional closer Georgia Rhythm, featuring another
great group performance.
As the band
left the stage, a fan nearby exclaimed “Damn,
I had no idea—they were hot!” The crowd turned to
look up at the top of the mountain for the post concert fireworks
display. With the musical fireworks complete, it was clear the
Georgia Rhythm had won over another crowd.
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