Mac McAnally: "If there is one reason I'm here, it would be the writing."
CasiNotes: He'll be backing Buffett, as usual, at Boardwalk
WHEN YOU think of the geography of Jimmy Buffett's career, Philadelphia probably doesn't come immediately to mind. After all, the singer-songwriter, who on Sunday hits Boardwalk Hall for his annual Caesars Atlantic City-sponsored visit, is far more of a Key West, Fla., kind of guy.
But the Quaker City does indeed loom large in the story of the Emperor of Margaritaville. For it was here that he and his longtime musical aide-de-camp, Mac McAnally, first got together.
It was 1977, and McAnally was touring in support of his self-titled debut album. The road trip took him to the old Bijou Cafe, an intimate nightclub on Lombard Street just west of Broad. Because some of the execs at his label, Ariola, had worked for the likewise defunct ABC/Dunhill imprint (which at that time had Buffett in its stable of stars), Buffett was familiar with McAnally's work.
"Jimmy either played that night [in Philly], or he was in town [for an upcoming gig]," recalled the Alabama-born, Mississippi-bred singer-songwriter. "He wrote me a note that said, 'We're both from Mississippi and we're both storytellers. We're gonna write together and we're gonna be friends.' "
As McAnally noted, it's usually not wise to put too much stock in the words of people in show business. But this time, the sentiments were sincere. The two established a friendship, and in 1981, their first collaboration, the Buffett track, "It's My Job," was recorded.
For years after that, Buffett urged McAnally to join his Coral Reefer Band, but McAnally demurred. "I had kids, I didn't want to to tour," he said.
Buffett persevered and ultimately prevailed. In 1989, they teamed for a series of acoustic-duo gigs. Then in '96, McAnally could no longer use his family as an excuse not to be part of a full-blown tour.
"He called me and said, 'My kids are coming out this summer. You're going out and bringing your kids,' " said McAnally. "I've been doin' it ever since."
It's not as if he needs the work. Playing guitar and singing backup with Buffett is almost a paid hobby. For the past 25-plus years, he has paid the bills by being one of the most successful behind-the-scenes players in Nashville, Tenn.
His tunes have been recorded by the likes of Hank Williams Jr., Reba McEntire, Shenandoah, Randy Travis and Alabama, who rode his song, "Old Flame," to the top of the country charts in 1981. As a producer, he has overseen the recording of albums by such acts as Ricky Skaggs, Restless Heart, Chris LeDoux and Little Feat.
Despite such a stellar career assisting others, McAnally remains, first and foremost, a singer-composer whose latest CD, "Down By the River," was recently issued by Toby Keith's Show Dog Nashville label. And when pressed, he identified his rightful place in life as being to the right of the hyphen.
"I love singing," he said. "I love arranging. I love producing. I love playing in a band. But if there is one reason I'm here, it would be the writing.
"That would be the hardest thing to give up."
Boardwalk Hall, Boardwalk at Florida Avenue, 8 p.m., $226, $156, $96 and $56, (800) 736-1420, www.ticketmaster.com.
He's always George to us
"Seinfeld" co-star Jason Alexander has finally booked his AyCee debut.
Alexander, who is indelibly inscribed in the Book of Pop Culture for his role as the generally useless George Costanza, will hit Harrah's Resort Atlantic City Sept. 25 in the guise of his new alter ego, Donnie Clay, in a one-man show, "Jason Alexander Stars as Donnie Clay."
The program is billed as a humorous take on motivational speakers like Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra. It reportedly includes singing and even magic, as well as a heaping helping of comedy. We're also hearing that at one point, Alexander doffs his clothes. However, there appears to be some serious self-improvement content as well.
Presale of tickets was scheduled to begin yesterday through Ticketmaster (800-736-1420, www.ticketmaster.com).
Star search
Tonight at 10, Boogie Nights, the '70s-and-'80s-themed danceteria inside Resorts Atlantic City, is staging a talent search. The objective is to find models to grace the club's 2010 calendar, as well as "characters," celeb look-alikes and entertainers who will work the room regularly.
The winners will be selected by a panel of media types (including yours truly). There will also be an audience participation element in the voting.
Interested parties can participate for free. To register, call the Boogie Nights hotline at 609-340-7698, or check out the "Boogie Nights Character Search" discussion group on www.myresortscasino.com.
Chuck Darrow has covered Atlantic City and casinos for more than 20 years. Read his blog http://go.philly.com/casinotes.
E-mail him at darrowc@phillynews.com.
And listen to his Atlantic City report Saturdays at 1:25 a.m. with Steve Trevelise on WIP (610-AM).
