Suzy Bogguss posted this link to a concert at the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum on Facebook (click on the blue blog title). I decided I'd take the time to watch and listen. So glad I did! I've been fascinated by her friendship with Chet Atkins and found this performance enlightening as part of the concert included an interview by Ali Tonn with Suzy on the very subject. Based on her remembrances, you'd have to conclude that Chet was a delightful, modest man with a wonderfully dry sense of humor. He was a Nashville legend and Suzy was privileged to have his support early in her career. You'd have to be crazy to question his assessment of her lovely vocals knowing his tremendous musical credibility when he says "her voice sparkles like crystal water". This concert was similar enough to the one she did in Heber City, Utah that it could be a good substitute if you missed it or if you were there as was I, it's an excellent refresher. The band is fuller in this instance with the addition of Harry Stinson on drums and Fred Carpenter on fiddle/mandolin. The only complaint band-wise is there wasn't as much back and forth between Suzy and crew as there was in Utah. Pat Bergeson shines on the songs they cover that were originally done by Suzy and Chet. Seeing that Pat is a Chet protege, it shouldn't come as a big surprise that he can duplicate Chet's licks very well indeed. Of particular note are the Beatles number All My Loving and the oh so beautiful Michael Johnson penned When She Smiled at Him. When She Smiled at Him is one of my all time favorite Suzy numbers. So cool to see it performed live. Gotta see if I can get a request in for it the next time I see her perform! This concert is well worth watching for those two numbers alone. They also perform One More for the Road a number she co-wrote with Chet and husband Doug Crider. That's another one I'd never seen her perform before. Loved it! Pat's playing again is amazing. Check it out. You'll love it too!
