Dixie Chicks: An Evening With the Dixie Chicks (2003)

Music. Here is a well-produced romp with one of the most accomplished and dynamic true-country groups in the world. The Dixie Chicks are old-school country with acoustic bluegrass roots older than their well-dyed roots. (I no longer have any idea what their original hair colors were, but at least they're not pretty-boy country like some bigots who wrap themselves in the American flag and wear a cowboy hat to justify their twangings as classic country music.) In this energetic and highly competent acoustic performance, Emily's virtuoso licks on dobro and banjo thrill the crowds while Martie's effortless fiddle swabs and obvious joy in her musicianship form a supportive frame to Natalie's virtually perfect lead vocals. The supporting ensemble and symphonic bands are awesome. The camerawork dynamically captures the power of the music, leaping from riff to lick to capture every musician's best work. We see plenty of the Chicks' spontaneity and humor and the set list presents much of their Home disc while opening and closing with their much-loved classics. The audience clearly had a great time and you will too. 4.5 stars.