I wouldn't be the first person in the media to acknowledge country music has come of age.
At least morphed into something possibly only Venn diagrams can explain in its rise in popularity over the last ten-plus years.
At the close of the '70s, country & western music had kind of run its course and new hard and harsh genres were starting to occupy the minds of A&R guys at record companies.
What was coming out were Best Of and Greatest Hits albums, and a smattering of independent, self-produced, self-funded country albums with outrageous clothes and hairstyles that defied gravity.
No genre ever fades completely. Diehards will still play until the tape snaps or the needle breaks. However, when a new generation saw merit in the honesty and easy nature of country, they also saw the ability to breakthrough the crowded music market without embarrassment.
So glad they did, which is precisely when the words 'and western' were left out of the narrative, almost forever.
Image © Michelle Cop
Last Sunday night (14 September) in God's own country (that would be Queensland) saw the finale of the Night At The Parkland series staged at Roma Street Parklands. James Johnston, with supporting act Zac & George, took a perfect Sunday afternoon and a crowded grassy hill of fans into the evening.
James, back in 2009, as a 19 year old entered the seventh season of 'Australian Idol' placing a very respectable third place. In 2014 he entered 'The X Factor', and by 2021 had released 'Raised Like That' – his debut single.
Tonight, as a 34 year old, his comments about playing over the last 15 years, almost every pub in and around Brisbane, are credible. You can tell, because A. tonight felt like he'd captured lightning in a bottle and was working out what to do with it, and B. the crowd knew him and his lyrics.
Johnston himself has been a support act for far too long; with dues partially paid, he's earned serious credits. Tonight, he applied them to an eager audience who were primed to go off.
He's a different high-energy country artist. He can't stand still, so we are glued to either the massive screens or to him. Either way, listen to the music and sing-along, study him or watch the audience in the nicest possible way.
A totally legit chance for the ladies to wear check shirts, high-embossed leather boots, with skirts and wide-brim hats. For the guys, mostly the same. If you happen to look like Teddy Swims – yeah, all the better.
James Johnston with Zac & George - image © Michelle Cop
Johnston's stage delivery is polished but not overly slick. He works every vocal moment successfully and is happy to share the stage with his bass player, drummer and fiddle player. James knows the subtle choreography moves that keeps people visually entertained.
In one poignant section, James slowed the pace of the concert and shared his new album's tune with an introduction producing a most respectful silence on the hill. He spoke candidly about it being a tough year losing his grandmother and Charlie Kirk. We nodded.
The song, 'Can I Keep Talking To You', has the hallmarks of being a big regional hit. In the hands of a company exec, who knows – maybe more. Interestingly, he put down his guitar and played a Roland keyboard for that one.
A quick round up of the punter's top favourites: 'Some Things Never Change' – a duet with Zac & George who he got back onstage – 'Raised Like That', 'Small Town', 'Where You'll Find Me', 'Country Boys' and 'Country Is For Me'.
I've heard it said that true country music reflects the soul of a nation. If that’s the case, things are looking up. Great night James!
More photos from the concert.
