Country music has intrigued Filipino musicians like me who see it as that genre you wish you could perform but you’re too far to have known it by heart, having been born and raised thousands of miles away from the daily grind of American life. For this same reason, I would be amazed each time I hear someone or a band playing country music.
Here in Southern California, I am significantly exposed to country music on the radio whether on the road or in some establishment. Occasionally, I would witness a few acts playing live country music.
I was privileged enough to watch the cover band Country Nation while recently celebrating the Fourth of July at a spacious park in the city of Anaheim. The group’s song choices are interesting as they play songs like “Pink Cadillac,” an original by Bruce Springsteen, and “Jolene,” a classic by Dolly Parton and one of the greatest country songs of all time. The band having two lead vocalists Tommy “Buck” George and Jasmine Crowe makes them a more engaging act, sexier if you must say.
I watched them again just a week later at the Roosevelt Bowl in Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino. They performed as part of the city’s Sizzlin’ Summer Nights Concert Series. This time around I got to talk to Buck before their set and our short conversation felt like I got deeper into country music more than I ever could by reading about it.
“Country music is folk, all of it. It’s all about people’s relationships. I love rock and pop and relatively all kinds of music but country music to me fits like a glove,” said Buck who writes his songs, a couple of which earned radio airplay at some point in his run.
Summertime’s sweltering heat may have prevented many of the people from coming out to watch the Country Nation play, but I could see that everyone in that lean but loving Thursday crowd was enjoying their time. In the middle of the performance, a couple emerged from their seats and started dancing synchronized. They’re not trying to get others’ attention but just enjoying the moment amid the setting scorching sun.
It proved that whether in front of a large audience awaiting some Independence Day fireworks or a sparse crowd who could not miss a good band’s act, Country Nation is one of those whose on-stage energy and charm are consistent.
Buck explained, “Every audience is different. Sometimes you think they’re not into it but they are. Not everybody goes to the movies and screams at the screen. Some people are quiet. I think our audience usually finds us. I don’t think I ever have to find an audience. They will find us.”
That’s certainly true. I discovered them by chance.
The fact that their repertoire is filled with popular songs rendered beautifully thanks to their gift of playing and connecting with the crowd would easily attract even perfect strangers to what they offer. Hearing Buck and Jasmine vocally blending as they repeat Jolene’s name over and over sounds suave to the ear and presents Country Nation as a superior entertainer.
The band leader who looks and acts the part with such bravura, pointed out, “The explosion of female empowerment created better jobs for women and provided an opportunity for artists as well. It’s great when I see female voices in the country genre. Taylor Swift started as a country singer. Having a girl singer is a natural progression for the band.”
Buck, as a little kid playing with toy cars and trucks, recalls her mother, a woman who came from Portugal, listening to country music to learn more about the English language.
Country Nation, formed in Burbank near Hollywood and which values Southern California as a country stronghold, is set to expand its reach further by including more states in its road shows. He mentioned eyeing to land gigs in places like Nashville, Austin, and Tallahassee.
Other members of the band are Owen Goldman (drums), Eric Greenberg (bass), Adam Jensen (guitar) and Thom Salisbury (piano).
Asked about his originals, Buck said, “I’m thinking of coming back to that, maybe. Let’s see. I write songs all the time. The bottom line is, that people show up to hear the hits and it’s harder to convince your band that you have written a hit. When you are doing your stuff you have to find an audience as opposed to them finding you.”
One thing about Buck and the rest of the Country Nation, apart from being appreciative of other musicians, he understands the essence of being one. He has none of that angst and foolish pride. He shared, “It’s not easy but it’s lovely. I’m not gonna say it’s rewarding any other way. You could have money but you are sad. You could have no money but you are happy. Money and fame are not the yardstick of happiness. It’s love and surrounding yourself with people you love, having friends, and loving what you do.”
