Country legend gives it to ‘em Strait at Mandalay Bay

Leah Robinson

Monday, Jan. 27, 2003 | 8:13 a.m.

It takes a big star to captivate an arena-sized crowd without the help of fireworks, dancing girls or fancy backdrops. George Strait is that kind of star.

The legendary singer barely tapped his toe throughout his entire performance Friday at Mandalay Bay Events Center, but the crowd remained enthralled.

In fact, the audience got exactly what they expected from Strait -- music from the heartland delivered by one of country music's greatest talents.

Strait's performance showed why he is arguably at the peak of his career, now 50 years old and enjoying his 50th No. 1 hit with "She'll Leave You With A Smile." Only Elvis, The Beatles and Barbra Streisand have sold more records worldwide.

Strait took the stage just past 9 p.m., smiling as his band played "Deep in the Heart of Texas," (an homage to his home state). Wasting no time, Strait gave his adoring audience a wave, strapped on his guitar and sang virtually nonstop.

The stage was bare, arranged in the middle of the arena to accommodate an "in the round" experience for the capacity sold-out crowd of about 12,000. Instead of one front row section, there were four, and Strait gave equal attention to each.

Dressed in a crisp white shirt, Wrangler jeans, boots and a black cowboy hat, Strait's look echoed his musical style -- basic, pure and traditional. His velvet-throated voice has never sounded better and was strong from start to finish.

Strait's musicians, the Texas-based Ace in the Hole Band, delivered a beautiful performance featuring the steel guitar and twin fiddles. Band members stood or sat at each corner facing into the stage with their backs to the audience.

Strait's slow, melodic voice was best heard on such ballads as, "When Did You Stop Loving Me?" and such western-style ditties as, "I Just Want To Dance With You."

But Strait's genius lies in his great ability to sing old school country, a la Merle Haggard, and the next minute pull off a progressive country track such as "Check Yes Or No."

He also has another rare gift -- he sounds different from song to song, yet always delivers a consistently powerful performance. And the audience cheered for his newer hits, such as "Run," just as loudly as golden "Amarillo by Morning."

With such a huge repertoire of hits, Strait could never have covered them all. One or two favorites such as "All My Exes Live in Texas," were missed, but that's a bit like complaining your stomach hurts too much to finish flavors 30 and 31 at Baskin-Robbins.

Strait seemed to relish the fans' adoration, waving to individuals as they stood up for their favorite song. He sang two songs to each front row section, shaking hands and accepting roses while he performed. Groups of fans in faraway sections trickled to the front rows throughout the night to take pictures of themselves standing in front of Strait.

Strait's opening act was newcomer Tammy Cochran. Only about half the crowd had arrived in time to catch her performance, which seemed a bit out of Strait's league. Her vocals sounded muffled, so it was sometimes hard to understand her if you weren't familiar with her songs.

Her last song, however, was a No. 1 hit most country fans know called "Angels in Waiting," about Cochran's two brothers who died of cystic fibrosis. That one song, with the obvious emotion behind it, was far better than the nine others she sang combined. Cochran didn't join Strait for any encore performances, but the audience undoubtedly didn't miss her.