THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 25, 1995 TAG: 9501250059
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E5 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Interview
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
IF YOU WANT to see the bearded, long-haired Alabama, check your old album covers.
This decade, those giants of country music are going for the ``9-to-5-in-the-boardroom'' look.
And there are a few other changes as they hit the road after several months off.
``This is the first year we're using lasers,'' Teddy Gentry said during a phone interview from Evansville, Ind., the first stop on the tour that brings Alabama to Hampton Coliseum on Thursday.
``We have a new stage design,'' he said, ``and new backdrops.''
Alabama shows have always been exciting but without the flash 'n' dash that are the trademarks of most of country music's major stars.
``This is one of the best shows we've ever put together,'' said Gentry, 43, ``and we have an incredible list of songs.''
What an understatement. Consider this wee sampling: ``Tennessee River,'' ``She and I,'' ``The Closer You Get,'' ``Mountain Music,'' ``If You're Gonna Play in Texas.''
One problem confronting Alabama is choosing which songs to use in concert. They've sold millions of albums and have had more than 30 No. 1 hits.
``It's a good problem to have,'' Gentry said.
That problem is multiplying. In 1994, the group had hits with ``We Can't Love Like This Anymore'' and ``Angels Among Us,'' which, Gentry predicts, will be a Christmas staple.
A ``Greatest Hits 3'' album was also released in '94.
``A new album is due in late spring,'' Gentry said. ``And our next single has just been shipped out - `Give Me One More Shot.' ''
Alabama, noted for its three-part harmony, has earned more than 150 music awards, including Billboard magazine's prestigious recognition as Artist of the Decade.
Gentry, in a philosophical mood, offers these reasons for the group's astounding success: ``It's like a good marriage. It takes a lot of working together. You have to look at the big picture instead of getting mired in your own ego.
``When Alabama hits the stage, we play good music, we have the vibes,'' he said. ``We finish one project and start looking for another.
``It's always hard work, but if you love it, it's all fun. As long as the Lord blesses us, as long as we still feel it and fans enjoy what we're doing, none of us even think of retiring.''
One of their favorite things occurs after shows, when Alabama meets backstage with handicapped children. It's not just a handshake deal, but a warm, beautiful time for camaraderie, autographs and conversation.
``It's just something we think is right. It's hard to turn these people down,'' Gentry said. ``It's part of how we are. Everybody should be that way.''
When they are not on the road, they are at home - both homes.
One is Fort Payne, Als., where their roots sprouted, where June Jam earns multitudinous bucks for every imaginable charity and organization in the area.
Home No. 2 is Myrtle Beach, S.C., where the group began their professional life as Wild Country, working in a club called the Bowery. Now, they work there in their own bailiwick - the Alabama Theater.
Myrtle Beach, like Branson, Mo., is becoming a country music headquarters - nothing equaling Nashville but, like the genre itself, growing.
``It's easier to get to Myrtle Beach than Branson. It's a great town, anyway,'' Gentry said. ``No matter where we are, though, we try to give people their money's worth.'' ILLUSTRATION: Supergroup Alabama has had more than 30 No. 1 country songs.
CONCERT FACTS
Who: Alabama and Neal McCoy
Where: Hampton Coliseum
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $21.50 and $24.50; call 671-8100.
by CNB