The Strait Truth

I have just read your review of last Sunday’s George Strait concert (“George Strait Steers Clear of Those Deeper Waters,” by Steve Hochman, May 2). At first I wondered if you had been to the concert at all, since you missed the most important facts. Then I noticed you do a review for pop music. No wonder you had problems reporting the facts--you went to a country music concert. Big difference!

We could have gone to a number of concerts. Had we wanted to see a drunk singer stagger all over the stage with a crew member following him on all fours, we would have chosen a Hank Williams Jr. show.

If we had wanted a bare hour of music we could have seen Air Supply or George Jones.

If we wanted lights, lasers, noise and people hanging from the speaker standard, we could have seen Van Halen.

Stage productions? How about “Cats” for a climax? We could have gone to Barbara Mandrell or Barry Manilow for something in between.

We chose George Strait because you get your money’s worth. You get one song right after the other. All great songs, sung well. You never worry about his (missing) any of the notes. Fast songs, slow songs, all done to perfection. Why should he sound like Bob Wills just because he does one of Wills’ songs?

If you have something really good (as in looks, voice, style and backup) why mess it up?

We had a wonderful, relaxing and enjoyable evening. So did the rest of the nearly 9,000 people there. Next time, take the time to watch the people around you, they were having a great time. Sorry you missed it.

VICKY HIRST

Westminster