Media Center
Related Topics
Related Stories
When Phil Vassar performs at the American Music Theatre Wednesday night, it will be his first show in the U.S. since returning from a brief tour overseas that included stops in England, Germany, Ireland and Italy.
"This was my first time over," writes Vassar in an e-mail. "We've been trying to get over there for years and it finally happened. They (the audiences) were great, different in a way that is hard to understand but great. I was surprised to know that they knew my songs."
Vassar, a country singer who plays the piano, shouldn't have been worried about his songs translating in a foreign country. Though the language barrier in Germany and Italy might have posed a problem, Vassar's plain-spoken songs address everyday sorrows and joys that should resonate with just about everybody — no matter where they live.
Vassar says most of his songs are autobiographical.
"They really come from life," he writes, "people I know or knew, experiences I've had or a friend has had. My songs are really my journal pulled from the thoughts and memories running around in my head."
On his most recent album, "Traveling Circus," released last year, Vassar writes about the aftermath of the breakup of his marriage ("A Year from Now" and Everywhere I Go") and addresses a tune to his two daughters ("She's On Her Way").
Vassar, however, doesn't let his serious side get in the way of some good-natured fun. The first single off the album, "Bobbi with an I," is about a cross-dressing football player.
"Believe it or not, it is about someone I know," Vassar writes. "I won't reveal a name, but it was definitely based on a real person."
Vassar, 46, started in the music business as a songwriter, penning tunes for other musicians.
He wrote hit singles for the likes of Jo Dee Messina ("I'm Alright"), Tim McGraw ("For a Little While"), Alan Jackson ("Right on the Money") and Collin Raye ("Little Red Rodeo").
He finally got the chance to record his own songs in 2000 when he released his self-titled debut album. "Just Another Day in Paradise," a single off the album, roared up the country charts and didn't stop until it reached No. 1.
Vassar has released four albums since then and has scored hits with songs like "American Child" and "Prayer of a Common Man."
As a pianist, Vassar is something of a rarity as most country singers gravitate to the guitar. He does mention Charlie Rich and Ronnie Milsap as two of his influences but also invokes Billy Joel, Elton John and Bruce Hornsby.
"I always loved the piano," he said. "I tried playing the guitar some and occasionally pick it up, but it never felt right. The piano feels like home to me."
Vassar, known for his high-energy shows that seem to owe as much to rock music as they do to country, says there was never any question he would pursue his career in Nashville, Tenn.
"Country music is the last format that I really think is about songs and lyrics," he writes. "That is what has always moved me and why Nashville made sense to me."
Phil Vassar
Wed. 8 p.m. $45
American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East
397-7700
www.amtshows.com
(224)
