Sony Records, BNA Records, Arista Records and Columbia Records Showcase
General Jackson Showboat | Nashville Tennessee | 2.25.10

I had the extreme pleasure of getting to go the Sony, BNA, Arista and Columbia Records showcase that was limited to only 700 people on the General Jackson. It featured Brad Paisley, Kelli Pickler, Josh Thompson, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn and Special Guest Bryan Adams.

The showcase is set up so that you get to hear a few songs by each artist with a few surprises. But you don’t know the lineup until they take the stage.

Brad Paisley took the stage first and started the show with his new single “Water”. Brad Paisley is one of the most impressive guitar players in Country Music. He sounded great as Brad always does. Be sure to see him this summer on is H20 Tour with Darius Rucker, Justin Moore and many more.

Kellie Pickler took the stage next and joked that she would like to thank Brad Paisley for opening up for her. The performed a cover of Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man) it sound fantastic and was an interesting choice for Kellie. Then she performed her new single “Makin’ Me Fall In Love Again”. Kelli Pickler fun to see live she sounds great, is cute as can be and quite funny.

New talent Josh Thompson was up next. He started out his set with the song “Way out Here” that has a great line that pairs John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere. Then he performed “Sinner” with Miranda Lambert. The Duet was sensational.

Miranda Lambert then belted out “The House That Built Me” and “White Liar” her first #1 single. She reminds me of the talent of Jewel, but more bad ass. She is just fantastic to see live and will be at Northern Quest Casino this month. She then invited Carrie Underwood out to perform “Travelin’ Band” by CCR. They killed it. It was rockin’ Sexy and John Fogerty would have dropped his Jaw at how great this duet was.

Carrie Underwood then performed “Temporary Home”. She is so funny, sexy and by far the most talented American Idol. Just a treat to see live! Check her out in Spokane on Sunday, May 30th at the Spokane Arena.

Earlier today Brooks and Dunn announced there final show of all time in Nashville. On the eve of that announcement it was great to see them live. They are country music to a tee. They performed “Play Something Country” and the entire boat was standing on their feet clapping and dancing. Brooks and Dunn rock and put on one of the best county live shows of all time. Everyone that played earlier in the night owes some of their success to Brooks and Dunn. Then  they mentioned that there was a Kid backstage that wanted to play a song with them – Out comes Bryan Adams and the place explodes as Brooks and Dunn and Bryan Adams Perform “Summer of 69”. Then Bryan performs “Run to You” acoustically by him self. Everyone in the place was cheering. Brad Paisley came out a played “Cuts Like A Knife” with Adams and then Carrie Underwood sang a song that Tina Turner originally sang with Adams “It’s Only Love”. With Carrie Underwood the song was on par with the Tina version.

With all the duets on the boat it was just like seeing an episode of Crossroads live but with many different artists. It was a very cool once in a lifetime night that I will never forget.

See more photos from the show HERE!

Matt@checkitoutmusic.com