There is something that is so pure, so enjoyable and reaffirming about great country music played in a bar. In today’s much-too-common big arena and stadium country music tours, feeling the energy and purity of a talented country artist up close in an intimate setting is something that has most fans of modern country music have never experienced.
Taking the stage at the Dusty Armadillo this past Saturday night, multiple award-winning artist Terri Clark announced how much she loves playing country bars. And by the end of her 90-minute show, everyone in the audience could clearly see that she not only meant what she said, but she reminded the crowd how much fun it is to listen to great music in an intimate venue.
Clark had a long string of hits in the 90’s and 2000’s that made an instant impression with both country music fans and radio stations throughout the United States and Canada (where she was born). She is the recipient of numerous Grammy, ACM and CMA nominations, and winner of several Juno country music awards.
With nine top ten hits, two number one singles and a member of the Grand Ole Opry, it is safe to say that Clark has made a strong impression in country music and has become a strong influence for many young women seeking a career in country music.
Now 4 years after her last release, Clark is back with Raising The Bar, featuring the new single, “As Young As We Are Tonight.” She is also back on the road playing her favorite country bars getting reacquainted with her old fans and introducing some great music to a whole new generation.
Clark and her 4-piece band took the stage and the Dusty Armadillo and delivered her most memorable songs along with a few from her current release with the energy and enthusiasm of a new artist playing some of their first big shows. Terri had the crowd singling along with hits such as, “Better Things To Do,” “I Just Wanna Be Mad,” “If I Were You,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” “Three Mississippi” and “Dirty Girl.” Songs from her new release, especially, “As Young As We Are Tonight” also were well-received by the near-capacity crowd.
Recently, there has been an increase in shows by many legacy artists from the 90’s and the 2000’s. These artists are taking to the road playing their greatest hits and a few new songs trying to engage a whole new generation of fans. While some of these artists fall short, Clark is one artist that is succeeding in re-introducing herself to radio and continuing to be relevant in with country fans of all ages.
The title of her new release, Raising The Bar pretty much sums up Clark’s currently approach to her career. Not set to rest on her past accomplishments, she continues to push to make music that that is strong in tradition and not based on the latest fads, but instead resonates with all and makes you want to dance and sing along.
But above all, she continues to make it fun to see great live country music in bars.
Terri Clark at Dusty Armadillo (9.22.18) – Photos by Rod Flauhaus
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