'Nashville Star' winner in KC

Yours truly was on hand on a chilly, drizzly Tuesday night when Chris Young (pictured), the latest winner of the USA Network country talent competition "Nashville Star," kicked off his solo tour. Young, who'll be appearing in high definition on "The Tonight Show" Thursday, and a clean, tight, professional band played to about 100 of the faithful and/or curious at the Beaumont Club.

I must confess I wasn't there out of faithfulness or curiosity, but because Young's lead guitarist was none other than John Bohlinger, my old friend who's been the leader of the "Nashville Star" band since its inception. (Yes, Montana, that's his dad.) Most of the preshow time John and I hung out in the bus or backstage as he practiced, over and over, a tricky four-bar opening to "Who's Going to Take Me Home," from the new Chris Young CD released last week. That song, which John was supposed to open "naked," (i.e., by himself, though that turned out not to be true), concluded last night's 45-minute, cover-heavy set. (My favorite was the corny '80s John Anderson hit "Swingin'," with the all-male band members combining on backup vocals.)

As the musicians stood backstage waiting to be introduced, I could still hear John, his guitar just audible underneath the piped-in music, still rehearsing his open. There's a certain pride, I think, that people can take in old friends who have achieved a degree of mastery in their trade. I think I was more elated to finally hear John pull off that riff than he was. Then again, it's his job to hit those notes.

Regardless of whether Chris Young becomes a bona fide star, you can't ask for a better way to launch your career than touring with such a kick-ass ensemble behind you. They'll be backing him in Burbank Thursday night, so tune in and hear for yourself.