Sheryl Crow brings tour to Ruth Eckerd Hall

By Sean Daly, Times Pop Music Critic
In print: Thursday, April 24, 2008

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The first time I saw Sheryl Crow, I spent most of the night with my back to the stage. Not that the singer-songwriter wasn't engaging; touring behind her self-titled sophomore album, she sounded just as good live as she did on disc, her slightly worn wail unloading those radio-ready roots-rock hooks.

The gig was at the intimate, and absolutely packed, 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., and Crow's guest list included one small young teen by the name of Chelsea Clinton. The first daughter was up in the balcony, and she and her gaggle of underage pals — well, let's just say they were having a rollicking good time.

So although I cheered Crow, I was mesmerized by Clinton, who seemed to be graduating from good-girl to gone-wild right before my eyes.

Crow became an even bigger star after that, so the chances to see her at an equally intimate venue have been few and far between. So I'm pretty pumped about her local gig in the cozy confines of Ruth Eckerd Hall. This time, I'll keep my eyes on Sheryl, touring behind new album Detours, every second of the show. Well, unless Jenna Bush is there. You never know.

Sheryl Crow performs Tuesday at 8 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $46-$60.50. (727) 791-7400.