Mellencamp adds soul to Esplanade splendor

Picking pop singer-songwriter John Mellencamp to headline last night's Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade was not only an inspired move, but for those familiar with the heartland rocker's recent work, it was a subtly subversive one as well.

Against the contrast of the evening's red-white-and-blue-ensconced pageantry, which included the final flyover by the 102 d Fighter Wing (whose 86-year history makes it the fifth oldest unit in the Air National Guard), and the presence of the Navy Honor Guard, Mellencamp's forthright brand of critical patriotism represented a different democratic ideal.

Although "Our Country," performed by Mellencamp last night (along with a rousing "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A."), is a now-ubiquitous anthem, thanks to its use in a truck commercial, its place within the context of Mellencamp's latest populist-flavored album, "Freedom's Road," casts its true political spirit far from the flag-waving sound bite with which it's usually associated. Backed by guitarists Andy York and Mike Wanchic, both of Mellencamp's selections were given a sturdy, soulful treatment, thanks to the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra's brass and string sections. Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart and writer-comedian emcee Craig Ferguson of "The Late Late Show" even joined Mellencamp at the microphone for the sing-along chorus of "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A."

A steady, windy drizzle and the unintentional chorus of electrical crackles and pops (presumably from the Hatch Shell light towers) did not diminish a summer night filled with color, verve, and celebratory splendor. Lockhart was in fine, animated form, leading the Pops through lush readings of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," "The Star-Spangled Banner," (which kicked off the night's festivities), and John Philip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (which capped them). Samuel Barber's "Adagio For Strings," played as a tribute to the fallen servicemen and women, was a particularly poignant and moving highlight.

There were other stars of many other stripes, too. "America the Beautiful" was sung with noble, somber grace by baritone Robert Honeysucker. The Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drums, resplendent in 18th-century soldiers' garb, took the stage during "Doodletown Fifers," and the Boston Children's Chorus was angelic and dazzling. Quincy native and 2007 "Popsearch Grand Champion" Maria Perry delivered an exquisite and delicate reading of Stephen Sondheim's "Not While I'm Around," her voice silky and alluring.

Then Lockhart, alternately exchanging his jacket for State Police and Boston EMS rain slickers, introduced the Blue Man Group as an extension of "the Boston Tea Party, which was arguably this country's first piece of performance art."

Finally, of course, came the fireworks.