Country singer-songwriter brings ‘Down by the River’ to State Theatre

You know Mac McAnally’s work, even if you don’t know his name. That may well change now that the man who penned some of country music’s biggest hits for artists that include Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Reba McEntire, Ricky Van Shelton, is playing solo concerts that showcase his latest album “Down By The River.”

“I love everything about this business,” said McAnally who is a well-known producer and also plays with Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney and others. “I was raised on a farm in Mississippi and taught to be of use in the community … I like being of use to people I care about.”

What’s perhaps most notable about McAnally’s solo career is that it’s ancillary to the songwriting and producing that earned him a top tier — and honors — in Nashville’s music community. Starting in the music business as a teenager, McAnally built his career as a Muscle Shoals, Ala., session musician and vocalist for an array of artists before going on to a sparkling career as a songwriter and producer.

Now finalizing his 11th album, the Country Music Association named McAnally 2008 Musician of the Year. McAnally was a guest vocalist on Chesney’s cover of his song “Down the Road” which hit No. 1 this year. McAnally originally released the song on his 1990 solo album “Simple Life.”

So with all his achievements and accolades, one wonders what keeps McAnally on the road touring and in the studio recording solo albums.

“I am totally eaten up with music,” he said. “I was laughing at myself and the ridiculous work schedule I have touring, working on my record, working on Jimmy [Buffett’s] record, playing shows with Kenny [Chesney]. I had a single day off in 2 1/2 months and I spent it playing gospel piano, likely much to the annoyance of my neighbors.”

Although McAnally didn’t tour for years, he now wouldn’t have it any other way, squeezing in solo gigs during off times.

Not only do his solo concerts become “family time” — in this case with some members of Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band who will join him on stage — but his albums allow him to present something akin to three-year musical snapshots of his life.

“I feel like I was put on Earth to do this. I can’t imagine a better feeling,” he said. “If there was not a soul in the State Theatre, I’d still go back to my hotel room and play music. Just to make music for it’s own sake is an honor.”