Along with the emergence of grunge and the resurection of punk, the ’90s have brought on another wave of music craze.

Country.

For country music, the first half of the ’90s has been one wild ride. Unprecedented growth and the resulting influx of new artists and influences have left the Nashville powers-that-be scratching their heads trying the figure out just what is and what is not “country.”

Then there’s Alan Jackson. The tall Georgian has displayed an uncanny ability to quietly mosey his way directly to the top of the charts with songs that are — and there’s no debate here — as countpart for me,” Jackson said.

“Of all the things I’ve done, places I’ve been and awards I’ve won over the past few years, I still get more excited when I sit on the ry as country gets.

Having interrupted his current U.S. tour to pick up an award (or two) at the American Country Music Awards last Wednesday, Jackson brings his down-home county music to the Five Seasons Center in Cedar Rapids tonight.

But don’t expect the spectacle some other county artists include in their performances.

“Recently, I’ve been looking back at the production part of my show, and realized that it’s been getting bigger every year — more lights, more video, more staging,” he explained in a press release.

“I started wondering where all this was going, so now I’ve started going backwards a little. I don’t dance, and I don’t swing from ropes: All I do is stand here.

“I think in a way it’s harder to entertain by just standing and trying to get my songs across,” he added.

He must be on to something because Jackson is playing to sell-out crowds and winning the hearts of country, and not-so-country fans everywhere.

His latest release, Alan Jackson’s Greatest Hits Collection, debuted in the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Top Country Album chart and sustained that position for four weeks.

It’s Jackson’s ability to “capture the moment” through his works that appeals most to his audience.

“As far as getting something out of my music, other than people relating to it, the writing has been the most important bus and write a good song.” he said. “It’s a whole rush to do something you just created and have people like it. That’s been real gratifying.”

When he’s not water-skiing in cowboy boots, Jackson’s hobbies include collecting classic cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles and fishing.

In fact, he counts teaching his daughters to fish as his favorite time-off activity.

You can catch the likes of Jackson tonight at the Five Seasons Center. But act fast as there are only a few tickets left. To charge by phone call (319) 363-1888.

The Five Seasons Center is located at 370 First Ave. NE, in Cedar Rapids.