George Strait—The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium

Grammy Award-winning country singer George Strait headlines this June 2014 attendance-record-breaking (104,793) farewell concert at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, which plays more like an all-star extravaganza, since nine other artists join him during the show, including his son, George “Bubba” Strait, Jr., who wrote a few of the songs. After the opening number, “Check Yes or No,” Strait divides the remainder of the whopping 40-song set between solo songs and collaborative efforts, including “All My Ex's Live in Texas,” on which everyone contributes. Martina McBride also joins him for a cover of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash's “Jackson.” After a duet with Eric Church on “Easy Come, Easy Go,” Strait introduces each of the 12 players in his Ace in the Hole Band, who hail from Texas, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Strait's casual, conversational singing voice is in fine form here, and he enjoys a comfortable rapport with his band and guests, although Sheryl Crow and Faith Hill could both have used a microphone boost, since they aren't as easy to hear as Strait (Miranda Lambert comes off better in that regard). Some of the artists also talk about their connection to the star, such as Vince Gill, who has known Strait for 33 years, and Alan Jackson, who's been a fan since he heard “Unwound.” Jackson and Strait perform their 2000 hit, “Murder on Music Row,” which seems as relevant as ever in its defense of traditional country music free from rock embellishment. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, extras include commentary from Strait, and interviews with guest artists. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)