The Jayhawks

Lastnight I had the distinct privilege of seeing The Jayhawks in concert. I've seen them before of course, because they are one of my favorites. But this was a special show because it featured a reunited band; in particular the two original founders and vocalists together (Gary Louris and Mark Olson). It is always a good time when the Jayhawks play in Minneapolis, as this is where they got their start back in 1985.

[I would just like to pause and recognize some of the great bands that have come out of Minneapolis - Prince of course; but we also claim Uncle Tupelo, Gear Daddies, The Replacements, The Suburbs, Soul Asylum, Trip Shakespeare, Semisonic - hello, Dan Wilson just won a Grammy for writing songs with Adele! Check some of these out!]

So, back to The Jayhawks. Some may say they are a bit of an acquired taste. They definitely have a "sound" but it's difficult to explain. Alt country? Rock? Folk (ish)? I'm not really sure, but I'm sure I don't care. I just know that Louris and Olson sound really good together, and they are both amazing songwriters.

This show was simply put, great. The band sounded wonderful and the vocals were spot on. Our seats didn't hurt either...2nd row center is no shabby beats the balcony any day! I've never been that close before for a show, and it added a whole new dimension. We could see the guys up close, and hey, they looked a little older...but you know, they are  older! Yet the sound was the same. They played a mix of old stuff and new songs from their current album, Mockingbird Time. I'd only spent a little bit of time with the new album before the show, but I came to appreciate the songs even more when I heard them live. The older stuff was great and I was especially glad that "A Break in the Clouds" was played, from one of my favorite albums "Smile." While the song was playing, I leaned over to my friend Gina and said, "this  may sound weird, but this album got me through labor."

A few seconds later our friend Jacquie leans across and says, "this album got me through grad school!"

Timeless. Universal. Awesome.

Jayhawks.

The Jayhawks - State Theater, Minneapolis - 2/18/12