TV REVIEW : ‘George & Tammy’: Lots of Talk, Not Enough Song

Just when it’s starting to appear that the Nashville Network’s “Full Access: On Tour With George & Tammy” will never move beyond the chatty pleasantries, real sparks begin to fly.

It happens about halfway into this hour with George Jones and Tammy Wynette, the celebrated singers and former husband-wife team who have reunited to record and tour for the first time in nearly two decades.

Things pick up considerably when they tackle the subject of how country radio has turned its back in recent years on virtually a whole generation of performers over 40.

Clearly they’re both mystified, a little hurt and considerably angry at being locked out, as are Nancy Jones and George Ritchie, their respective spouses who also are their respective managers.

The brunt of their criticism lands on country radio consultants, who dictate to client stations nationwide which records and artists to play--and which not to.

The rest of the time things stay close to the surface with observations such as “the crowds are incredible--just fantastic.”

The greatest failing of this show is that the talk doesn’t break long enough for even one complete song--doubly a shame since the duet album Jones and Wynette released recently, “One,” contains several performances as good as any in their careers--individually or together.

Oh well, you can always buy the CD, which may just be the point.

* “Full Access: On Tour With George & Tammy” airs tonight and next Tuesday at 5 and 9 p.m. on TNN .