Mega-stars Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Jimmy Buffett joined together for the first time ever, Saturday, May 29, 2004, at Texas Stadium in Dallas. This must see concert turned into a party that Parrotheads, cowboys and the Lone Star State will never forget. With more than 120 million records sold, over 80 Number One singles and countless awards under their hats (or Hawaiian shirts), the superstars shared equal billing to showcase some of their biggest hits and fan favorites alone and together.The three of us have talked about doing this for some time, admits Strait We've had the pleasure of working with each other before and not only do we enjoy each other's music but we have a lot in common.'Recorded live at Dallas's Texas Stadium in 2004, this long-delayed release is worth the wait. Over 15 tracks, the three superstars sing together, separately, and in pairs for what turns out to be both a musical treat and a long draw of fun. Strait, who normally stands stock still in concert, loosens up and--surprise!--talks between songs ("That's country right there now"), and if my ears heard right, may actually say the word "ass." His is the strongest section musically, as he uses the western-swing classic "Milk Cow Blues" to stretch out with a fine showcase of his Ace in the Hole Band, and brings Jackson out for a masterful version of their hit "Murder on Music Row." But Jackson's set offers a personality-rich rendition of "Where I Come From," as well as a bluegrass version of Steve Young's "Seven Bridges Road" and a sturdy cover of "Texas Women," Hank Williams Jr.'s exercise in Lone Star braggadocio. Buffett gets a little too cute on "Margaritaville," on which over-the-top chorines shout, "Salt! Salt! Salt!" But when Jackson and Strait join him for a rousing romp through "Hey, Good Lookin'," you can almost see the ghost of Hank Sr. dancing in the aisles. --Alanna Nash
