Tracy Byrd, Colleagues No Ordinary Entertainers

Steve Appleford’s review of Tracy Byrd’s concert at the Orange County Performing Arts Center was narrow-minded and harsh. (“A Safe, Shallow Country Venture,” Dec. 8.)

For years, I would not listen to country music, but I recently began listening to it because Tracy Byrd (his “No Ordinary Man” CD) captured my interest. Now I am a country music fan and listen closely to the lyrics. Country music makes me feel good--more alive and happy in a that way rock and classical music have never made me feel.

Country singers, in general, are kindhearted and have a great sense of humor (especially Byrd). Appleford said the musicians were “popular acts of little artistic importance.” Ty Herndon had the No. 1 country song that week; Byrd’s first CD went gold, and his “No Ordinary Man” CD went double platinum. This certainly sounds like important artistic talent to me.

He also said that “Byrd’s music was mostly faceless balladry of astonishing low energy,” but he is wrong. His music shows great talent, humor and sensitivity. He has high energy, and his songs have good messages; they are not “unconvincing, safe and forgettable.”

I sense he thinks that country music fans and musicians are rough, uneducated and unrefined--this is not true. I hold an M.A. in English literature and listen to all types of music, even classical.

In fact, I have attended several classical concerts and ballets at the OCPAC, and I find that most people at these performances are pretentious; they ostracize you if you are not dressed the “right” way or do not act the “right” way.

Country-music fans and musicians are generally friendly, down-to-earth and giving, qualities that are rare in some of the people who frequent the OCPAC.

Byrd and Herndon are extremely talented. I tip my hat to OCPAC for inviting them to perform at the center. See y’all next year!

JANEL DAVIS

Fountain Valley