Album Review: Pass The Jar - Zac Brown Band and Friends Live from the Fabulous Fox Theatre In Atlanta

At the 2010 Grammy Awards, music lovers had the great opportunity to see just what country fans have been enjoying since "Chicken Fried" hit the airwaves in 2008 when the Zac Brown Band took the stage to perform a mash-up of their debut single and "America the Beautiful." The Best New Artist winners went on to be nominated for Entertainer of the Year at this year's Academy of Country Music Awards, an impressive feat since Zac and the boys are still relative newcomers to the national scene. But, one listen to ZBB's latest live project will help you understand just why the group caught on like fire.

For Pass The Jar - Zac Brown Band and Friends Live from the Fabulous Fox Theatre In Atlanta, ZBB tapped a long list of very talented musicians to join in on the fun, including  singer-songwriter Aslyn, fellow country artists Little Big Town and Joey + Rory and Kid Rock, who joins the band on a rousing version of "Can't You See." ZBB continues in the same vein as their Grammy performance by including the medley they did there. They give the same treatment to a reggae-infused "Where the Boat Leaves From" with a little Bob Marley's "One Love" thrown in for good measure.

While the group's four number one hits - "Chicken Fried," "Whatever It Is," "Toes" and "Highway 20 Ride" - are all included here, it's the rambunkcious tunes that really stand out. On songs like "Sic 'Em on a Chicken" and "Whiskey's Gone," the band really cuts loose and has fun. They also allow ZBB to display their excellent musicianship, particularly on the instrumental "Alabama Jubilee" and their high octane cover of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." After listening to what is sure to be one of the best live albums released this year, you'll be eager to join in on the fun yourself by catching the Zac Brown Band at a venue near you. 

Nikita Palmer for Citadel Digital © 2010