Though only 12 years separate the founding of Restless Heart and Lonestar, one gets the feel of three different decades of country music represented on stage in Larry Stewart of Restless Heart, Tim Rushlow of Little Texas, and Richie McDonald of Lonestar. Each member and each band fit an adult-contemporary friendly niche in country's history and here, without the Marshall amplifiers, drum kits, and, remarkably, a set list, the Frontmen shared a chance to shine.
Each took turns in their eighteen song set to highlight some of their most well-known hits, from "She Cries" to "Amazed," each with a snippet of how the song came to be. Richie, remarkably, elected in two of his first three selections to step away from Lonestar's catalog and gave us Mark Cohn's "Walking in Memphis" and Michael Murphey's "Wildfire."
Tim, for his part, provided much comic relief, revealing a knack for impersonations. He also chimed in as backup for the other two, though with the sound balance, it seemed to be for his sole benefit. This was the one down side of the show. With the talents on stage and their great interaction between songs, they mostly seemed content to watch as the other took the spotlight. How magical "What Might Have Been" or "Bluest Eyes in Texas" would have been with all three harmonizing was only hinted at at the end, when they came together to cover Alabama's "Moutain Music," Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," and the Eagles' "Take it Easy."
The intent stated at the beginning of the show was that the three musicians were "inviting the audience into their living room." This effect was beautifully accomplished and the on-stage chemistry seems genuine. In time, I hope they follow Tim's inclination and support each other more vocally.