The Jayhawks and Julian Taylor

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.