May 18, 1995
Live In Performance at The White House hit many very special notes last evening with Host Chet Atkins introducing Suzy Bogguss, Alison Krauss and Kathy Mattea. Alison performed When You Say Nothing At All, the Bad Company (as opposed to her recorded version with Union Station) version of Oh Atlanta and Baby, all utterly amazing.
The weather was kind of a drag some of the time, torrential downpour, thunder shower, intermittent showers, but was definitely not a damper on anyone's spirits. The production values from WETA, Ameritech and The White House social staff were all first class. Held outdoors on the South Lawn, the event was special in every way, however, from the rehearsal time in the afternoon, attended by President Clinton himself, who then was photographed with and personally met each musician and their groups (musicians, crew and family).
The dinner (music by the very fine Navy Band) was also first-rate, southwestern cuisine, and then straight to the show, attended by President Clinton and the First Lady, as well as Vice President and Tipper Gore at the same table. (I met one of my longtime heroes Pat Schroeder from Colorado who was sitting at the front table).
After the show, which I missed since I had to fly back home on the day's last flight, all the musicians, crew and family were invited to the Clinton's personal quarters on the third floor and spent fully an hour and a half with President and Mrs. Clinton, who personally gave them a tour of their apartment, showed them the Lincoln bedroom and shared glasses of wine. (Both the President and Mrs. Clinton were wearing their cowboy boots for the show, by the way, and could not have been more enthusiastic and gracious).
In short, it was a great honor, a good time was had by all and come September there should be a mighty fine performance from The White House of The Women of Country Music".
During the mini-press conference in the afternoon, Alison was referring to very sticky conditions and her makeup when she mentioned that "it's kind of slimy and I hope I don't grease out." Plainspoken and mighty fine, Alison is as down-to-earth and refreshing as ever. What a musician and WHAT a voice -- like a young Dolly Parton, Joan Baez and Linda Ronstadt all at their peak. And her own creation, as well, a fine producer personally responsible for her recorded sound and in charge of all aspects of her major musical contributions. What a gal, and what a day!
Reprinted with permission from Rounder Records
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