Alabama & Friends at the Ryman

In this 2013 concert from Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, platinum-selling trio Alabama (who have been together for 40 years) play a mix of hits and new songs with guest stars Jason Aldean, Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan, the Eli Young Band, Florida Georgia Line, and Jamey Johnson. Band members Teddy Gentry (bass), Randy Owen (guitar, vocals), and Jeff Cook (fluorescent green guitar and fiddle) bring in additional players on guitar, mandolin, keyboards, and drums for this 17-song set serving up traditional country with a side of rock and a sprinkling of talk. Kicking off with their 1984 hit “If You're Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band),” Alabama plays audience favorites including “Song of the South,” “Born Country,” and “The Closer You Get.” Yearwood, the most seasoned performer, sings the ballad “Forever's as Far as I'll Go,” while Florida Georgia Line takes things in the opposite direction with the rollicking “I'm in a Hurry (and Don't Know Why),” and the show ends with “My Home's in Alabama,” featuring Johnson on lead vocals. Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes. Sure to be popular with fans, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)