Sheryl Crow detours through the Sault (photos)

A confident and downright sexy Sheryl Crow happily shared a career-spanning evening of music with a near-capacity Essar Centre audience last night in Sault Ste. Marie.

Unlike her career, the set had a humble beginning as Crow emerged in front a black backdrop to perform God Bless This Mess from her newest release Detours accompanied by only her acoustic guitar.

The curtain then dropped and an eight-piece band kicked in for the rest of her 90-minute set.

A band that would put any group at the top of the charts today to shame.

Crow's beautiful smile and pristine voice immediately seized the polite Sault audience, gradually coaxing fans from their seats to their feet as the hits -- past and future -- poured forth.

"Since we've never played here before, we'll do a lot of songs you'll know," Crow said early into the set.

Recognizable hits, including All I Wanna Do, No One Said It Would Be Easy, Strong Enough, A Change Would Do You Good, If It Makes You Happy, Everyday Is A Winding Road, My Favourite Mistake, Soak Up The Sun and Leaving Las Vegas have some serious competition as fan favourites.

New material from Detours, such as Motivation, Shine Over Babylon, Gasoline and Out of Our Heads, are a testament to Crow's prowess, charm, determination and ultimate staying power.

Relaxed and unassuming, Crow's stage banter was unrehearsed and seemingly more genuine than most, making the 4,200 in attendance feel far more connected than usual.

I'd bet dollars to donuts that Sheryl Crow CD sales skyrocketed in the area today.