An energetic, very funny comedian opened for Neil McCoy last night at the Paramount. At first it seemed odd as an opening act, on retrospect, it seems very fitting - Neal McCoy is himself a very high energy performer who not only never loses his smile but also injects large doses of humor into his live performances.

McCoy opened his set with a song entitled "She Knows What She Wants" from his upcoming CD to be released later this month,"You've Gotta Love That. After introducing the new album, he launched into a recent chart single, "The City Put the Country Back in Me." McCoy then reached way back for an old Roger Miller favorite, "King of the Road." He then repeated the formula, singing "If I was a Drinking Man" from the yet-to-be-released CD and current single "For a Change." These songs were followed by another oldie, "Rockin' Robin" during which McCoy showed some pretty limber moves a la Michael Jackson, who made the song a hit many years ago. This was followed by another new song, "Please Don't Leave Me Now," one of the few downbeat songs performed.

McCoy is backed by a very talented band and each member performed a short solo on his respective instrument after being introduced to the audience. This was followed by a dynamic rendition of "Orange Blossom Special" with a nice fiddle breakdown that really enlivened the crowd. Good spirits continued to be in evidence as McCoy began singing "The Banana Boat Song" with heavy audience participation, then launched into what may be a first for a country music performer - the "Beverly Hillbillies" theme song, sung and performed as rap music. By this time there wasn't a straight face in the crowd.

McCoy even initiated a Billy Ray Cyrus imitation, singing a few bars from "Achey, Breaky Heart," before promising he would not follow through on singing the entire song. Towards the end of the concert, he went back to songs off the No Doubt About It CD, including the title track, "Heaven" and one of his biggest hits, "Wink" He included the upbeat"Talk that Twang."

There couldn't be a country concert be without a cover of a song by Hank, or George or Merle, and McCoy did his rendition of "Kaw-Liga," once again interjecting a little mischief by singing a few bars of Tim McGraw's "Indian Outlaw" during the Hank Williams tune. This was followed by "At this Moment" and a short encore.

McCoy seemed to genuinely enjoy playing in Denver, mentioning that he had played for a week at the Grizzly Rose years back as a member of a tour band. He also noted that there were many activities in Denver that weekend, including, a performance by Joe Diffie that same night at the Grizzly Rose. McCoy seemed truly pleased that so many had come out to see him.

Though probably tired after the performance, McCoy stayed to sign autographs in the Paramount lobby for all who wanted, and seemed glad to do it. Unlike most contemporaries, Neal McCoy doesn't play an instrument on stage. He doesn't have much of a vocal range, yet his voice is surprisingly strong and clear. He seems to have found a comfortable niche as a singer of pop-ballads and uptempo, catchy tunes. His humorous, self-depreciating, and light-hearted stage persona ensures that both long-standing and casual fans alike will enjoy his live performances.

Mountain West Music 2002