tommyo@ihuxw.UUCP (11/07/83)
The Rosemont Horizon, in Rosemont Ill. was the site of last night`s (11/6) Salem Spirit Series concert with the Thrasher Brothers, Juice Newton, and headline act ALABAMA. I had never heard of the Thrasher`s, and was happy to find that they were good. A four man singing group (al a the Oaks and the Statlers), they performed some good country songs for about 30 minutes. Keep an ear open for them - good stuff. Juice Newton came out with a short sequined black dress and knee high red cowboy boots. She did all of her hits, and was especially good on "Break It To Me Gently" and "Angel of the Morning". She did not do much at all off of her new album "Dirty Looks" except for the title cut and her hit remake of "Tell Her No". Her back up guitarists were very good, and Juice moved around the stage well, even while playing away. She seems to be getting a bit rock-y, and she did a version of Chris Montez` "Let`s Dance" that really left something to be desired. Juice should stick to country. Overall, she did give a good performance of about 1 hour. Then came ALABAMA. The crowd obviously came for them more than the other 2 acts and really got into it. From the opening "Love In the First Degree" and the way through "Dixieland Delight", "Mountain Music", "Gonna Have a Party" and a host of other songs, the crowd sang, cheered and screamed along. One guy a couple rows ahead of us was dancing in the aisle. Randy Owens also did a great job on their ballads "Lady Down On Love" and "Feels So Right". I understand why they were chosen CMA Entertainer of the Year. Super job! One thing about all the acts was there really wasn`t much talk with the audience. They played music. That is what people came for, and they surely got their money`s worth. It was a great concert and a great date. Tom O`Connor ihuxw!tommyo