Recommended: The Time Jumpers

Many lament that traditional music is dead in commercialized Nashville, but the standing-room-only crowd that fills Nashville’s The Station Inn every Monday night begs to differ. Since 1998, the Monday night gig has belonged to The Time Jumpers, a traditional Western swing band composed of eleven prominent Nashville session musicians and vocalists. While most bars and honkytonks are deserted on Monday night, The Station Inn fills to capacity with all ages despite a ten dollar cover charge. The band has gained a reputation for fun, family-friendly shows and excellent musicianship; the group features a trio of fiddlers and notable members such as Steel Guitar Hall of Famer John Hughey and “Ranger” Doug Green of Riders in the Sky.

In recent years, the Time Jumpers’ weekly concerts have become known as “the show the stars see” as, on any given night, one is likely to see major recording artists in the crowd enjoying the traditional fusion of jazz and old-time country. Vince Gill is a part-time Time Jumper, sitting in with the band several times a year, and other recent attendees include Reba McEntire (who jumped on stage to join the band in “San Antonio Rose”), Ronnie Dunn, Sheryl Crowe and Rhonda Vincent. Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely attended the group’s live DVD taping in May 2006 and was reportedly so moved by vocalist Dawn Sears’ performance of “Leavin’ and Sayin’ Goodbye,” the classic that she wrote for Faron Young, that she was unwilling to sing the song herself for six months thereafter.

The band recently appeared on “The Eddie Stubbs Show” on WSM radio to promote the recent release of their live concert CD and DVD. The two-disk set features their characteristic Western swing arrangements of both classics and originals and can be previewed here and purchased here. Their debut album, “On the Air,” was released 2002 and recorded in the style of a 1950’s radio broadcast.

If you’re ever in Nashville on a Monday night, stop by The Station Inn around 9 pm to witness what The Time Jumpers call “therapy” for a city starved for traditional and authentic music.

Watch the Time Jumpers perform a classic Spade Cooley instrumental: