DIAMONDS IN THE WOODS
   
    Playing for a private fund raiser to benefit the Log A Load For Kids-Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Angry Country made the hour drive to Tuscaloosa to see and hear Diamond Rio perform. I was immediately drawn to their big red bus and tractor trailer truck next to a huge blue canvas tarp covered stage, where technicians were busy putting the final touches on the sound system and stage lighting. This would be the first time that I heard Diamond Rio in concert, so I did not know quite what to expect. As a country music fan, however, I always look for artist(s) who can win me over as a fan and leave me wanting to hear more from them.

    Opening for Diamond Rio on this night was The Wayne Mills Band (aka Wayne Mills and Guilty Sinners), a local band from the Tuscaloosa area who have moved to Nashville in pursuit of a country music career.  With a lead singer who reminds one of John Michael Montgomery, this is a hard rocking country band that is guaranteed to get your toe a tapping. All the members of this band are strong musicians who have a true love for traditional country music, which is often forgotten in Nashville these days by young members who are bringing more of a rock and roll MTV sound (and which is leaving most country music fans cold.)

    Performing songs from their forth CD entitled Bad Man, Wayne and his band indeed proved that they have a strong background in the roots of country music performing slower ballads, such as Nobody Knows, as well as rocking country tunes. My personal favorite song performed was a tune that Wayne stated is a true story of a old coon dog that is buried in Samantha, Alabama entitled Cooter; a number done in more of a New  Orleans's bluesy style. I was also taken by another of their songs One Of These Days that is in keeping with what Angry Country looks most for in a great country ballad, a song that tells you a story. In this case, Wayne Mills speaks of the story of a football star who is tragically killed.  Closing their set with a Charlie Daniel's tune South Is Gonna Do It Again,  The Wayne Mills Band promises to be the next big band to make it  in Nashville. With Alabama making its farewell tour, it is good to find that true talent and traditional country roots still remain from this area and this band can easily fill those soon to be empty shoes. I was not at all familiar with this band or their music, but they certainly won Angry Country and the crowd over and won a new fan. If you would like further information on this band, please visit their website at: www.WayneMillsBand.com.


    On what turned out to be a beautiful summer evening in the woods of Tuscaloosa, Diamond Rio took to the stage. Performing hit after hit, from a career that expands more than twelve years,  you were reminded of just how much wonderful music they have given to their fans. From opening number That's How Your Love Makes Me Feel to Mirror Mirror to In A Week Or Two, the hits just kept on coming... to also include their 1994 hit Love A Little Stronger. As was stated by many of the fans around me, Diamond Rio is a often overlooked band in Nashville that produces numerous hits but never seems to receive much notice for it, leaving their fans asking the question "Why?"

    Diamond Rio is one of those rare country music bands who have not forgotten how important their fans are to them, whether doing a Meet and Greet before their show or while on stage. I was very impressed with each member of this band, as each one had a personality all their own and totally enjoyed every second of being on stage and playing for their fans. What drew me immediately to them was their ability to play right at you, leaving you with the feeling that they were performing just for you. And lets face it, folks, this is exactly what every country music fan wants to walk away from their favorite country artist feeling... that they were appreciated and a little love was given their way. After all if there is one thing that country music fans are well known for, it is their loyalty to the artist and their ability to love them openly.

    Continuing to perform more from Diamond Rio's  current CD Completely, and Marty stating that in this they tried to bring their fans a wide range of styles, they performed a western swing number entitled Something Cool.  The song that brought literal goose bumps to my skin was their recent hit, and a favorite of mine, Beautiful Mess. Marty and members Jimmy/ Dana/ Gene/ Dan/ and Brian have a way of harmonizing together that just touches one right to their very core and is present in this very touching love song. To follow was a number that Marty explained seemed to bring new meaning to many of their fans after the events of 9/11, and that they dedicated on this evening to all those in the armed services One More Night. Soon leaving the stage to a standing ovation, Diamond Rio once again took center stage and closed to their present Number One hit I Believe.

    As I closed my writing tablet and gathered up my lawn chair, it hit me that this was going to be a memorable night for this writer. I came to Tuscaloosa not aware of The Wayne Mills Band  or having had the opportunity to hear Diamond Rio in concert. I would leave, to quote one particular band this night, in a Beautiful Mess... having been won-over as a fan of both. But hey behind my coffee cup, I'll just smile!

Reader Response:

• Christie,
    So glad that you enjoyed the Diamond Rio concert. I have been a fan of theirs for 7 years now, plus a member of their fan club. Those 6 handsome guys have amazed me from the beginning. Their current album "Completely" I think is their best yet. Their harmonizing is just beautiful and they all are so talented. You finally found out what all their fans have known all along. They are definitely #1.
  Sandy

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