Quick Christmas gift update...and the first review

Looks like Santa left a little something for you right here this morning! Huge thanks to Leaf, Dixiegirl and everyone who helped with all the Murray videos, photos and recaps. (Get on over there now! I'll be here...)

The Southeast Missourian reviewed last night's GAC concert at the Show Me Center, and the news is good:

The concert was split in half -- the first half an informal performance with the five artists (Deana Carter, Blue County, Steve Azar, Julie Roberts and late-tour replacement and former "American Idol" contestant Bucky Covington) sitting on stools at the front of the stage, all but Roberts with acoustic guitars in hand. The large stage was mostly empty. Each performer sang two songs.

Azar was the first to show off his unplugged prowess with his hit "You Don't Know A Thing." Roberts seemed nervous as she followed with the title track from her second album, "Men and Mascara," but her sultry voice overshadowed any lack of confidence her stage presence initially showed.

Covington was up next, and he immediately shifted the direction of the show. Covington put his rock influence on display with a revved up version of Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" that had most of the audience clapping their hands and stomping their feet.

Carter followed with her hit "We Danced Anyway," showing off her pop songcraft tinged with country twang, while the duo Blue County got the Show Me Center rocking again with a blues-infused performance of "Good Little Girls."

Read the whole thing here. (A positive newspaper review is a nice way to kick off your coffee break, isn't it?) The Southeast Missourian writer says in print what many have said on the boards and in blogs--that this is a truly intimate and unique night of music.

Tonight's a break night for the GAC Christmas tour, but tomorrow Deana Carter, Julie Roberts, Steve Azar, Blue County and Bucky Covington will be performing in Knoxville , Tennessee for a live crowd at the Tennessee Theatre (and for GAC's cameras). Check Tickets.com for available seats, and enjoy!

Finally--as of now, there is a conference call planned for tomorrow's show. (All plans subject to change, of course.) I'll update the blog with any news, and if it's on, Wednesday evening I'll be here with a large cup of coffee, all the phone numbers you'll need, and (if the Fox board will let us) a play-by-play. See you then...

Enjoy your Tuesday!