43
Country singer tries his hand at Celtic carols TRACE ADKINS’ GIFT
By John Benson
Country singer Trace Adkins continues to defy pigeonholing.
The Grammy Award-nominated artist is known for hits “I’m Tryin’,” “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” “Ladies Love Country Boys,” “You’re Going to Miss This” and “Just Fishin’,” but this Nashville singer does so much more than sing.
He’s ventured into reality television (“Celebrity Apprentice” and “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”), television-film acting (“The Young and the Restless,” “An American Carol” and “The Lincoln Lawyer”) and writing (“A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck”).
Now the 51-year-old Music City star has released his first holiday album, which is decidedly unlike anything one would expect from the deep baritone of Adkins. Called “The King’s Gift,” the Christmas album is filled with Celtic carols with guests ranging from The Chieftains and Scottish vocalist Alyth McCormack to British folk/pop star Emma Stevens, actor-musician Kevin Costner and legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff.
Adkins’ Christmas Show Tour,” which is a reverent theatrical and musical production — complete with a 12-piece band — comes to Covelli Centre on Wednesday.
The Vindicator talked to Adkins about the unique project, the special show and why he doesn’t shy away from a challenge.
Q. Being a country music artist, you had to know going in that it would be a career risk recording and touring a Celtic-based Christmas album.
A. It’s a risk I’m willing to take. And if it is a risk, then I’m not afraid of it. Sometimes you take calculated risks. And if you fall on your face, you just get back up. I have high expectations for this and if it works out, wonderful. And if it doesn’t, it was my vision and my idea and I’ll take the blame. It’s something I wanted to do. I know there are people out there that will enjoy this music very much.
Q. Why do “The King’s Gift” now?
A. It had nothing to do with what time in my career. It just was something I talked about doing many years ago. It ended up being one of the best experiences of my musical career. These kinds of musicians that play this style of music. … I’ve been making records here in Nashville for 18 years and most of the people who played on this record, I had never met. I didn’t know. They brought me in specialists, and it’s a whole different pool you’re drawing from.
Q. Unlike other artists in Nashville, you’re not afraid to take chances with your career. There’s “The King’s Gift,” but also your various forays into reality television and acting. What do these creative outlets provide you?
A. I just enjoy doing that stuff. I find it’s stimulating being on a television or movie set. It’s much like being in the studio on the days when you’re tracking new songs. You’re surrounded by these incredibly talented and creative people. I get a kick out of being in that environment. It’s stimulating and invigorating. I just enjoy it. I love getting outside of my comfort zone and doing stuff where I actually have no idea what I’m doing. That’s how you stay fresh. That’s how you grow. That’s how you stay energized and excited about life. Just doing your stuff, man.
Q. As far as doing stuff on the “Christmas Show Tour,” when you say Celtic we normally think about a certain kind of dancing. Will you be kicking up your heels for this show?
A. If I try to do that, my leg from the shin down at one point would go flying into the audience. My joints are not held together, so no, there will be no Riverdancing.