Alabama & Friends at the Ryman

Personnel: Jeff Cook (vocals, guitar, fiddle); Randy Owen (vocals, guitar); Teddy Gentry (vocals, bass guitar); Kimo Forrest (guitar, background vocals); Charles English (guitar); Megan Bohlinger (mandolin, background vocals); Steve Peffer (keyboards); Chuck Tilley (drums).
Recording information: Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN.
Documenting a show held in November 2013 at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee as indirect promotion for that year's tribute album, Alabama & Friends at the Ryman is a celebratory, 17-song set that finds the legendary country band running through its catalog with the assistance of some big modern stars. Given that the group's cheerful, rock-friendly sound paved the way for the bro country of the new millennium, it's not a surprise to find Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, and Luke Bryan all here, but so is Jamey Johnson, who helps bring out the deep southern roots on "My Home Is Alabama." Despite all these guests, the focus is directly on the band and their sturdy catalog. There's no way they could pack all their big hits into a 17-song set, but what's here is a testament to the depth and endurance of the biggest country act of the '80s, and how the group still sounds good now that they're veterans. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine