Driving at Night

l. to r.: Mark Stoffel, Ned Luberecki, Jon Weisberger,
Chris Jones

With fellow Weary Hearts Ron Block, Butch Baldassari, and Mike Bub, Chris Jones left behind a classic recording entitled By Heart (Flying Fish, 1989), produced by Hot Rize's Tim O'Brien.

In 1990, Chris relocated to Nashville.

"It was an interesting time," he recalls. "A little more of the bluegrass sounds were being accepted at that time and it was also a time when a lot of other bluegrass pickers were moving here."

He formed the Night Drivers in 1997, and, later that year, I saw them perform at Rockome Gardens in Illinois. I remember being surprised at the sound of his voice, which is somewhat low, not at all like the "high lonesome sound" one associates with this type of music. But it works, especially when accompanied by some tenor harmony provided by one of the Drivers.

Many musicians have worn that appellation over the years. Current mandolinist/fiddler Mark Stoffel, a native of Germany, is a former winner of the Illinois State Fiddle Champioship, held annually at the Illinois State Fair. Bassist Jon Weisberger is well known in bluegrass circles as a writer of articles and CD liner notes as well as currently serving as IBMA's vice chair. Former Rarely Herd banjoist Ned Luberecki hosts a bluegrass program on Sirius, as does Chris.

l. to r.: Ron Block, the late Butch Baldassari, Jones,
Mike Bub.

April

Who are these "night"time pickers?

Formerly a member of Weary Hearts, this bluegrass singer and songwriter formed his own band in the mid-1990s. The band's first CD, No One But You, appeared in 1997.

Since then, the band has recorded and traveled extensively. Its recent "best of" collection is entitled Lost Souls & Free Spirits.

Two members of the group host bluegrass programs on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and another member currently serves as vice chair of the International Bluegrass Music Association.

The band is based in Nashville and is pictured here in front of Gruhn Guitars, a music store in downtown Nashville featuring vintage bluegrass instruments.


Significant April dates in bluegrass history

• 2nd: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver formed (1979)
• 10th: Gerald Evans, of Traditional Grass, died (2010)
• 13th: Sam Bush was born (1952)
• 16th: April Stevens, one half of the Stevens Sisters, was born (1974)
• 20th: Doyle Lawson was born (1944)
• 22nd: Hazel Dickens died (2011)
• 30th: Rob McCoury was born (1971)