Loyal fans enjoy Travis for what singer does best

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Oct 18, 2004 | by J. ADRIAN STANLEY THE GAZETTE

A few songs into his performance Sunday night at the World Arena, Randy Travis asked the crowd how many had been to one of his shows before.

Countless hands shot up.

It's not surprising that Travis has a loyal fan base.

When he came on the scene in the '80s, it was his disregard for all things hip that propelled him to the top of the charts. His old- school country sound recalled Merle Haggard and George Jones -- hardly the pop-infused country of today.

With the exception of a recent interest in gospel music, Travis hasn't changed, and the fans who fell in love with him years ago for his traditional style and classic voice still have plenty to love.

Although he's focused on gospel lately, Travis opened his show with a string of hits from his heyday. The opener, "Better Class of Losers," was barely audible over the screams from the crowd, but the hillbilly twang of "If I Didn't have You" quickly proved Travis still had the richness and depth to his voice to own a song. The crowd soon was clapping along.

Travis shined on "Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart" and "It's Just a Matter of Time," but it was "King of the Road," that was simply irresistible -- and a testament to the flexibility of his voice.

He seemed hesitant to venture too far into gospel, but Travis gave the audience a taste of his latest work -- though he stuck to material that appealed more to a secular market. "Three Wooden Crosses," which soared to No. 1 on the country charts, earned him a standing ovation.

"Raise Him Up," another recent work, lacked the fervor of the rest of the performance. Although the song seems to suit Travis lyrically, its melody is so monotonous that it makes even his voice seem flat.

It's too bad Travis didn't play more of the old gospel tunes from his recent album, "Worship and Faith." Although perhaps less appealing lyrically to an audience of country fans, the songs show the amazing reach of Travis' voice.

Travis may have shied from making too strong of a religious statement, but he did take a strong stance on patriotism.

He got hoots and hollers from the audience as he raised an oversized U.S. flag behind him as he closed the show.

Empty seats testified to the fact Travis is no longer the king of country, but the fans who did come were enthusiastic. The fact of the matter is, Travis isn't going to outsell Toby Keith. He isn't going to rule the country market again. He's done being a trendsetter.

A more mature Travis is doing what he does best: playing country the way it was made to be played.

With a fiddle.

Without those newfangled gadgets, fancy outfits and superstar light shows.

Forever and ever, amen.