My first night in Nashville landed me at 3rd and Lindsley to see The Time Jumpers, a band I was thrilled to finally be seeing.

Vince Gill

Fronted by Vince Gill, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Time Jumpers play mostly Western swing. Even though they have been together since 1998, their first album was only released in 2007.This band is a true supergroup. I was astounded at how talented each member of the band is individually and how well they mesh as a group. They are a true ensemble, with each member taking leads throughout the two sets.

The TIme Jumpers (with guest drummer)

The members of the band are Vince on guitar and vocals, Paul Franklin on pedal steel, Larry Franklin on fiddle and vocals, Joe Spivey on fiddle and vocals, Billy Thomas on drums, ‘Ranger Doug’ Green on guitar and vocals, Brad Albin on bass, Andy Reiss on guitar, Kenny Sears on fiddle and vocals, and Jeff Taylor on accordion, piano and vocals. Absent this evening was Dawn Sears who is unfortunately battling cancer; I hope the next time I’m in Nashville, she is able to join the band.

Brad Albin

‘Ranger Doug’ Sears

Joe Spivey

Billy Thomas

Kenny Sears

Jeff Taylor

Larry Franklin

Andy Reiss

Paul Franklin

Vince

One thing that struck me immediately was how much fun they have on stage; that was evident in every note they played and every word they sang. They are also incredibly tight, a fact which is obvious in the way Larry, Joe and Kenny are in complete synchronicity with each other and their fiddles.

Larry, Joe and Kenny

The band has a standing Monday night gig at 3rd and Lindsley, a club that has a 500-person capacity yet feels more intimate. I was lucky enough to sit at a front-row table, about ten feet from Vince. I spoke with people who see almost every show, and I understand why. I imagine that each show is different, even if they play the same songs. Sometimes Vince is unable to perform with them; a couple of weeks prior to the show I saw, Rodney Crowell (another highly regarded guitarist) sat in for Vince!

Vince, Paul and Andy

The Time Jumpers tour in addition to this regular gig; if they come to a town near you, I recommend seeing them. I plan on seeing them any chance I get, including during a return trip to Nashville when I will make sure I am there on a Monday night, just to see them!