Since the mid-1990s, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers have been a mainstay in the bluegrass scene, consistently delivering some of the most elegant and propulsive music around. Whether they’re performing live or in the studio, the band’s signature blend of dry wit, emotional honesty, and broad humor has endeared them to a growing fan base across the country and around the world, from MerleFest in North Carolina to California’s Huck Finn Jubilee.
Notably, the band has garnered praise from some of the biggest names in the industry. Steve Martin has called them “some of the best players in bluegrass,” while Americana artist Jim Lauderdale lauds Jones’ voice as being “there with the great masters.” And it’s not just their sound that has earned them accolades: as a group, they’ve racked up more than a dozen International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, and have recorded more than ten #1 hits.
With Mark Stoffel on mandolin, Grace van’t Hof on banjo and ukulele, and Marshall Wilborn on bass, Chris Jones takes the lead on vocals and guitar, infusing each track with his soulful voice and deft songwriting. And when he’s not leading his own band, Jones has lent his talents to a range of other artists, including Lynn Morris, Vassar Clements, Special Consensus, Dave Evans, Earl Scruggs, and The Chieftains.
But Jones’ influence extends beyond just the music itself: his award-winning work as a SiriusXM DJ on both Bluegrass Junction and Willie’s Roadhouse has helped him earn recognition in related fields.
With a soulful voice and impressive versatility, Chris Jones has made a name for himself in the music world. He’s performed and recorded with legendary artists like Earl Scruggs, Vassar Clements, and Tom T. Hall, and has even graced the stage of the Grand Ole Opry with Laurie Lewis, Lynn Morris, and the Whitstein Brothers. But he’s not just a performer, Chris is also a beloved broadcaster and writer, hosting popular shows on SiriusXM and penning a weekly column for Bluegrass Today.
Joining Chris in The Night Drivers in 2023 are three equally talented musicians. Mark Stoffel’s mandolin skills are renowned among fellow musicians, and his rhythmic sense and warm tone help define the band’s instrumental sound. Marshall Wilborn is a respected bass player and songwriter, whose inventive solos have earned him the IBMA’s Bass Player of the Year award four times. And Grace Van’t Hof, a founding member of Grammy-nominated group Della Mae, adds her driving banjo style and ukulele playing to the Night Drivers’ repertoire, as well as her skill for harmony singing.
Together, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers are making music that’s both distinctively elegant and driving. Their unique blend of humor, emotion, and authenticity has won them fans across the country and around the world, and their numerous IBMA awards and #1 songs attest to their musical prowess.
Discography:
No One But You (Rebel, 1997)
Cloud of Dust (GSM, 2009)
Lonely Comes Easy (Rebel, 2013)
Live At The Old Feed Store (GSM, 2014)
Run Away Tonight (Mountain Home, 2015)
Made To Move (Mountain Home, 2017)
The Choosing Road (Mountain Home, 2019)
Make Each Second Last (Mountain Home, 2021)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.