Why we love Johnny Reid (15 photos)

If you were one of the 3,300 attendees at the Essar Centre last evening, then you were lucky enough to be treated two shows for the price of one.

On the bill were Johnny Reid, Scottish-Canadian country soul crooner and Johnny Reid, stand-up comic.

The 36-year-old split his stage time delivering the goods that garnered him a multitude of award nominations, including a 2010 Juno win for country album of the year, and regaling his adoring fans with playful banter.

While Reid's captivating rasp and catchy song style are what sparked his enormous popularity, it was his undeniable charm that stole the last night's show.

The connection between artist and audience was immediate and concrete, triggering fits of laughter and dance.

As a steady stream of devoted ladies made its way to the stage to offer hugs, kisses and trinkets, Reid, backed by an outstanding company of musicians, brought the crowd to its feet with such offerings as Lets Go Higher, Darlin', Hands of a Working Man, Dance With Me, That Man is Me and Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the World.

Although he's predominately credited as a country artist, rather than watering down the genre with cookie-cutter pop hooks, Reid brings a refreshing shot of R&B soul into the mix more akin to Wilson Picket or Tom Jones than Keith Urban.

We suspect the folks on Music Row may be scratching their heads at this unlikely marriage.

Possibly those in Motown, too.

But it works, and Reid's fans love him to bits for it.