The Jayhawks

Just after the Jayhawks released their highest-charting single, “Blue” in the mid-90s, guitarist Mark Olsen—who shared vocals and harmonies with guitarist Gary Louris—abruptly left the band. Fronted only by Louris, the Jayhawks made a decent go of it over the next ten years. Always a solid live band, the Olsen-less Jayhawks guaranteed a concertgoer a competent, steady show.

Three years ago, though, Olsen and Louris apparently mended fences, and the newly reformed group have been touring fairly steadily. Most initially gratifying is that Olsen's deeper, more earthy vocals provide a nice counterpoint to Louris's high lonesome tenor. Better yet, seeing the group play live, it's clear that Olsen gives the group something of an edge and even a more mischievous sense of humor than it had in his absence.

In concert, The Jayhawks are one of the best live country-influence rock bands of all time. One of the original bands in the 1990s alt-country movement, the band under Louris seemed to steer towards a more mainstream rock sound. With Olsen's returned, their live show now completely restores the twang. In fact, the group is likely to produce mandolins, fiddles, and slide guitar—all expertly played—in their shows.

Set lists tend to highlight new material that Louris and Olsen are working on, but as might be expected they also draw heavily from their critically acclaimed records Hollywood Town Hall and Tomorrow The Green Grass as well.

Every once in a great while, I discover music that, for whatever reason, grabs hold of me in a profound way. I had been listening to the music of my parents' era, Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, and Eddie Cochran, for a few years. I've been known to show up at the office in a circle skirt and a sweater. My guitar repertoire is full of 1950s rockabilly. So when The Cactus Blossoms, brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum, released their album in January, I wasn't really surprised that I really liked their music -- it was somehow retro and timeless at the same time, with harmony vocals to rival any of the sibling groups from the 1950s. I liked their music a lot. So much so that I got a ticket to their February show in Chicago, packed my favourite rockabilly dress, and got on a plane. I hoped it would be worth it.

And it was, and then some! The tight harmonies that TCB are known for were every bit as impressive in concert. The musicianship was solid, with every single song on their album played. When Page Burkum thanked the three piece that was backing them that night (Joel Paterson on guitar, Alex Hall on drums, and Beau Sample on bass), he said that they had not had a chance to rehearse, but I never would have known. There were no false starts, no missed vocals. I have actually been to concerts that were so dull that I fell asleep, but TCB put out enough infectious energy that the whole room was with them for the entire show.

In addition to their own material, TCB played a handful of old country classics -- Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Ray Price. Every song was a treat, faithfully reproduced. I think what I liked best was that both Torrey and Burkum were smiling throughout the whole show -- enjoying what they do. I will definitely get on a plane to see them again!