Tift Merritt, The Jayhawks, Candi Jenkins, and Tanasi

Tift Merritt brings to the live music scene something that I think it has been missing as of late. With all of the fast paced, high intensity rock, metal and electronic dance music shows that have been all around the country, Tift Merrit brings us back to the initimate, soft live show experience that we have been desperately missing.

When I saw Tift Merrit live, I immediately knew that I had found a gem. The soft vocals, the soothing guitars, drums and background instruments were a real delight. The small venue couples with this intimate sound to really create a soothing and relaxing concert going experience. The sort of country-style infused soft rock lends itself to a sort of naturally relaxing and emotional journey through the music.

I was completely entranced throughout the musical progression, and I believe that is exactly what Tift Merrit was aiming to do with this unique sound and style. I know that I and the rest of the audience walked away feeling great after seeing such a passionate and emotional performance. The way that the entire band is able to come together with the audience as they take us through this journey is really an amazing experience. I will definitely recommend Tift Merrit to family and friends, and anyone that enjoys slower paced, authentic music.

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.