Feature Artist JOHN ANDERSON "Takin' the Country Back"

By Donn Jehs

Nashville beckoned and it was all his sister's fault. " ...she's the one who turned me on to country music. It was the Merle Haggard sound, the George Jones sound that was the reason I decided to come on ahead to Nashville," says John. Winner of the Horizon Award in 1983, 12 years after answering that call, John Anderson first broke through to stardom with "Swingin" the CMA Single of the Year. Twenty five years later  he was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year at the Nashville Music Awards for his most recent album, "Takin' The Country Back." Those 25 years since the Horizon Award have seen ups and downs, five label changes, and some of the best music country has to offer. Through it all, John's remained the same - albeit a little wiser and more assured about his music. "At the stage we're at, I think we've got a pretty good handle on what we should be doing as far as the music goes," Anderson explains. "The most essential thing, though, is having the creative freedom to do what you need to do." What he's done is given us  an album that, like his career, is rich and varied, from the humor of "Somebody Slap Me" to the bittersweet "Small Town." This is his first album for his current label, Mercury Records, after a long relationship with BNA from whom he parted on friendly terms. "It was strictly a business decision," but John felt he wasn't getting the support he should. BNA has since released both a "Greatest Hits" album, and currently has added him to their "Essentials" collection, with a release this spring that includes most of his hits from the BNA Years, and the crossover single "Swingin'," recorded during his stint at Warner Bros. Although John makes his home in Smithville, TN, he is Florida born and bred, from Apopka. One of six children, he left Florida for Nashville after graduating from high school in 1971. His first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry was on its roof laying tile, rather than inside performing, as he worked various jobs while singing around town. John's first big label contract was with Warner Bros. in 1977, but it was three years before he cracked the charts with songs like "I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal" and "Wild and Blue." For four years he was hitting the top ten with regularity before a two year dry spell that led to his move to MCA for two years (87-89), and an even shorter stint with Universal's foray into country music. He landed on his feet and recaptured  success with BNA in the early 90's, where he's had some of the biggest hits of his career, including "Seminole Wind" and "Money in the Bank." Through it all the fans have been there for him. "You know, I've had a wonderful base of fans through the years. They stood by me even through the slow spells, "  John says gratefully. And why wouldn't they when he gives them the kind of music that they crave. Signing with Mercury has gotten him together with Senior VP Keith Stegall, Alan Jackson's' long time producer,  who says, "Along with Alan Jackson and George Strait, John is one of what I call the ‘Consummate Hat Acts.' He represents the spirit of what the majority of today's young hat acts are trying to emulate. John walks out and just fills up a stage and you find yourself going, 'Gol-lee! That's John Anderson!" John has always been about tradition and values, while still making his mark in contemporary music. He's also one of a handful of country artists rock fans like, and John has collaborated with Mark Knopfler of "Dire Straits" ("When It Comes To You"), and co-wrote the cut "Sara" from his latest album with David Colwell of "Bad Company." "A whole lot of that is just the truth and sincerity in the music. It tends to break down the boundaries," Anderson explains. John is an outdoorsman, fisherman, and even restauranteur, having opened up a steak and barbecue place in his home town. But he won't have much time to play host as he hits the road in support of his latest album. "...I tell ya man, I feel like we're just getting started. My band has never sounded better and every show we do is refreshing. I feel as comfortable as I've ever have with the whole process of making records and gettin' on that ol' bus and hittin' the road. And I hope to keep right on with it for a long time." "Yes, indeed," Anderson adds with a grin, "We're good to go!"

Artist: John Anderson Title: "Takin' The Country Back" Label: Mercury Nashville Rating:

After several years absence I have certainly grown fonder of this man with the charm of a big teddy bear and the soul of a lover. His latest CD is filled with a variety of tasty dishes that rival those at his new restaurant. Plenty to fill your plate and leave you satisfied. The title track tells it like it is. John's back with the music that is "down to earth where the music's real/Singin' 'bout what the people feel." His current single, "Somebody Slap Me," is a wry, wonderfully funny look at love. It'll get you hooked - in fact it reminds me a lot of Steve Martin's "King Tut," and they don't come much funnier. But ballads make up the bulk of this album, from the lively "South Moon Under," to the poignant tones of "Sara."  A cover of "Brown-Eyed Girl" is sweet and jaunty, but "Who's Who" tears out a piece of his heart and exposes it to us, pain and all. Memories are what it's all about in "It's a Long Way Back,"  how we lose sight of where we came from and how we try to get the moment back. The pending end of a relationship has John getting ready for "The Fall," and in a nice segue, "I Used To love Her," follows it. My favorite song on the album has to be "Small Town," with it's nostalgic look at the small towns of America, left behind and often forgotten. The tag line "Hey it's a small town"  is filled with the power of Anderson's rich baritone. If you get the opportunity to see John, "Jump On It" - if not, get this album. You won't take it back.

Artist: John Anderson Title: "The Essential John Anderson" Label: BNA Rating:

RCA/BNA has been issuing a series of albums called their "Essentials" collection, and John's is one of the most recent releases. It contains most of his BNA hits and some surprises. The classic"Seminole Wind" finds a home here, along with little treasures like "30,000 Feet." The picture John paints with this little song always gives me pause for thought. "Swingin" opens the album - certainly one his most familiar tunes. "Steamy Windows," which I usually associate with Tina Turner, rings different sung from the male perspective. A favorite of mine, "Let The Guitar Do The Talkin'," says it all about John, both this album and the music.

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