If you haven’t experienced Nashville’s legendary western swing band The Time Jumpers yet, prepare yourself for an amazing experience. Their shows are lively and spontaneous with an incredible chemistry created by 11 of Nashville’s top musicians playing together; music that honors tradition while keeping up with today. Their star guest list has included Reba McEntire, Bonnie Raitt, Mo Pitney Delbert McClinton & Sheryl Crow among many more who have stopped by their residency every Monday at 3rd and Lindsley.
In 1998, The Time Jumpers formed as an informal jam session among Nashville’s recording studio elite in order to vent some steam and share songs they were fond of playing. Soon thereafter, their show quickly became an instantaneous success and soon outdrew stage capacity at Station Inn – drawing crowds that exceeded even this capacity! As word of their presence spread further afield, stars such as Elvis Costello and Robert Plant started joining them or hanging out, with Elvis often sitting in as well. Over time The Jumpers became “show that stars go see”, eventually earning them regular Monday night residencies at 3rd and Lindsley as fans built itineraries around this special event!
Following Dawn Sears’ death earlier this year, they recently announced they would add Wendy Moten as vocalist, following an album released this year called Kid Sister that pays a fitting tribute. Their tight knit lineup remains strong while becoming more relaxed; after over half a year off during pandemic episodes they plan to resume performing regularly at 3rd and Lindsley with Moten at their side.
Nashville Country Daily recently caught up with four members of Vince Gill’s band — Kenny Sears, Paul Franklin and Ranger Doug Green — to talk about their newest record and their Monday nights at 3rd and Lindsley.
All members of The Time Jumpers are multi-Grammy winners with years of hit records and international tours under their belts. Their musical DNA reflects traditional country, jazz and swing influences while each member draws personal inspiration from listening and watching performers at ballrooms such as Cain’s in Tulsa, Diamond in Oklahoma City, Cotillion in Wichita or other dance halls across the nation.
The members of this band find energy from playing intimate venues together. Comparable to touring massive stages as support acts for superstars on their own tours, playing small club venues provides them with a boost of adrenaline that they don’t find elsewhere – it feels more personal and family-like for them and extends into studio sessions when not touring; their collaboration on albums and live shows are truly impressive thanks to this sense of camaraderie between members that allows for communication and connection that’s hard to come by in today’s music business.