From 1996 to 2003, beloved Americana icons The Jayhawks cut and released three albums of material-Sound Of Lies, Smile, and Rainy Day Music without the services of founding member Mark Olson. Despite the music’s generally warm reception and the bevy of great song selections put forth, this period has traditionally been overlooked by many fans and observers, who seem to acknowledge only the band’s output that features both Olson and fellow frontman Gary Louris. However, rather than sweep that era under the rug now that Olson has returned, Louris has wisely chosen to reform this late-90’s era lineup and hit the road in support of their recently released three album discography. Featuring Kraig Johnson on lead guitar, Mark Perlman on bass, Karen Grotberg on keys, Tim O’Reagan on drums, and Louris front and center, these Jayhawks rolled into Dallas’ Granada Theater on Tuesday night and churned out a pretty remarkable show.
Louris had a bit of a bounce in his step, which was apparent from the get-go. Donning a fake long, grey beard (that was fortunately tossed aside after the first number) from which his grin was barely visible, he plugged in his bright red Rickenbacker and plunged into the breezy opening chords of “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”, that near-hit from 2000’s Smile. Throughout the evening, Louris bantered frequently with both the crowd (“How many of you thought this was my real beard?”) and his bandmates, setting a tone of familiarity and comfort that proved quite natural considering that both have been loyally by his side throughout the years. The crowd, for their part, proved their Jayhawks devotion as lyrics were sung along with, eyes were rapturously closed in step with the tunes, and the pecking order of the band’s discography was vehemently discussed (a bit too loudly for my tastes) by one particular pair of friends.
Musically, everyone was in top form. Louris’ reedy and tender voice ably brought the songs to life, hitting the mark particularly on his tracks that pack emotional depth like, “Trouble”, “Angelyne”, and “Save It For A Rainy Day”. A lot of the material from this Jayhawks period muscles along with more of a rock oriented focus and this side wasn’t lessened any onstage, either. Louris’ and Johnson’s electric guitars got a workout on “The Man Who Loves Life”, “Think About It”, and show closer, “Baby, Baby, Baby”. Johnson was also around with Louris back in the day as part of the alt-country supergroup Golden Smog, so his presence onstage led to the inclusion of two nice Golden Smog tunes: “Looking Forward to Seeing You” and “Jennifer Save Me”. And, it wasn’t all material from the three-album era exclusively either, as quintessential Jayhawks cuts “Blue”, “Waiting For The Sun”, and “Take Me With You (When You Go)” made it onto the setlist. Finally, this review wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the blistering cover of Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s deep cut, “Sedan Delivery” that rattled ears during the outset of the encore.
Hanging out for a show with The Jayhawks (any version of the band) is a night well spent and Tuesday night at the Granada was no exception. They’ve compiled enough worthwhile material and have played too many stages over the years to not disappoint. Their shows are hangouts for old friends and like-minded musical minds who continue to respect and appreciate the beautiful sounds the band bring from town to town.
The night opened with a 30-minute set from Milwaukee’s Trapper Schoepp & The Shades. Folky, literate, and highly influenced by Dylan, the quartet offered forth a nice collection of charming and hummable tunes that were heightened by Trapper’s engaging and witty stage banter and violinist Gina Romantini’s, nimbly graceful work. Already opening act veterans for similar acts like The Wallflowers, Old 97’s, and Cory Chisel, the band is getting the exposure that should hopefully catapult into larger profile headlining gigs of their own.
Photos by Jeff Strowe
