This Aussie Rules!

By Rob Greenwell

One would never think that Australia could be a hotbed for potential country music stars; however, that was proven wrong when Keith Urban came on the scene a few years ago with a band called the "Ranch". The "Ranch" had moderate success but it was not what Keith wanted deep in his heart, so he decided to leave the band to start his own solo gig. Lucky for Nashville, this Aussie struck gold when he struck out on his own.

That Aussie Gold returned to Coyote's on September 19, 2002. His brand of country music has been called a little eclectic, but just enough to reach a mainstream audience. To describe Keith's music would be a daunting task, because while there are definitive guitar licks when he lights up the stage with his amazing ability to make a guitar talk in a - dare I say it - Stevie Ray Vaughn / Eric Clapton / Chet Atkins sort of way, there's also a touch of bluegrass thrown in, as evidenced when the banjo came out in his newest single, "Love Somebody Like You." Along with the bluegrass, there is some mainstream country mixed into the melting pot as well.

Keith is definitely a different artist as well as one hell of a guitar player. Combining his rugged Aussie good looks with a steamin' guitar, plus the romance and sincerity in his smash hit ballad, "I Wanna Be Your Everything," made for a sure-fire mixture that really had the ladies swooning for Keith.

As I am sure Urban learned from his time Down Under, it is essential to provide a sensational live show in order to increase the fan base. He accomplished his mission by keeping the people on their feet throughout the entire set.

Urban's show is a must-see for all country fans. Anyone who can mix what Keith mixes together and can keep the fans for the entire show definitely has my vote. It was by the "For The Grace of God" that this Aussie heartthrob made his way to America.