The JayTunes Jam

For the last few years I’ve been hearing about this Minnesota-based bluegrass band from my in-laws, so I finally decided to check them out on Saturday night in St. Croix Falls.  Dressed in vintage clothing, they took the stage and immediately impressed with their modern musicianship.  Four men and one woman used just a single microphone for their voices and instruments alike.  They moved in closer for their solos, then away when another was featured.  The result was surprisingly visually interesting along with being pleasing to the ears.  The instrumentalists were quite proficient (especially the banjo, mandolin, and bass) and the vocals were pleasant (the female lead) but not always polished (the rest).  I was quite fascinated by how they were able to play songs by request that they had never played before and turn them into concert-ready performances (complete with polished solos) before our eyes.  Playing a wide repertoire from varied genres, Monroe Crossing is a great regional band that is just a second voice away from being a world-class bluegrass band.

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