Blowing the Man's Horn Some More.

filched from Star Trib Review: Urban shows his stuff as legend in the making Jim Meyer, Special To The Star Tribune Keith Urban was the surprise winner for Country Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year this year. Don't be surprised if he soon wins Artist of the Year honors somewhere, too. Any doubt that this unpretentious Australian would be a captivating headliner was put to rest during a sold-out show Saturday night at Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis. In a dynamic set lasting almost two hours, the natural sex symbol and respected guitar slinger combined the workaday romanticism of Bruce Springsteen, the elation of U2 and, occasionally, the sorrowful voice of Chris Isaak. His fans are predominantly female now, but his appeal goes far beyond the scruffy sexiness on the surface. Appearing in his trademark tattered blue jeans and a fading black T-shirt (and no hat), Urban pulls off the "anti-star" look that seems so forced on other performers. Despite the Male Vocalist honors, his guitar prowess is the key to his brand of hooked-filled country rock. And it really powers his live show as he proved throughout the night and right from the start on the opener, "Days Go By" a live-for-today rouser. Though soft-spoken, Urban is just enough of a showman. On "Where the Blacktop Ends," he entered the crowd and circled the auditorium (without a follow spotlight). Rather than a crowd-pleasing gimmick, it seemed more like his way of bringing the crowd a little closer. And this crowd definitely wanted to get closer. Women strolled the aisles all night for a closer look and better camera angle. For many artists, the "unplugged" break seems like an obligatory breather, but for Urban it was a seven-song showstopper. He opened with a song by his old band, the Ranch, and included an effective duet with opening act Katrina Elam. That set the stage for the highlight piece, "Making Memories of Us" by Rodney Crowell. Urban, resembling Isaak somewhat, showed that the Male Vocalist award was fully deserved, even if it was unexpected. He picked up the pace with "Jeans On" and "She's Gotta Be," a brooding song that built to a rocking symphonic swirl. From there it was a seamless segue back into the electric set with the inspiring "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me," ending with a few bars of U2's "Beautiful Day." For an encore he performed "Tonight I Wanna Cry" alone at the electric piano, showing yet another of his talents. Urban is a spiritual man who puts his hope and faith into his music and Christian values into his unglamorous style. When he exits, he says, "God bless you, and be true to yourselves," and plays a recording of Bob Marley's "One Love" as spectators exit. In small but important ways, Urban dares to be a little different, and that counts for a lot. A youthful 37, Urban has learned how to construct a thoroughly impressive and pleasing set. But he also seems just to be hitting stride. Maybe there's a Lifetime Achievement Award waiting out there, too. In another classy move, Urban came out with opening act Elam, reprising his role on her single "No End in Sight." Elam is a proud Oklahoma girl (and Reba lover) who wowed the Northrop crowd with her hyperspeed country yodeling just before Urban appeared on her closing number. Jim Meyer is a freelance writer based in St. Louis Park.