BITTERSWEET, Ky. — As much as I love to hear my favorite singers, my heart really

belongs to those groups that bring wonderful harmonies to the country music table. Back

in my playing days, the one thing we worked hardest on was getting the harmony right.

There is a real art to it, and the Eli Young Band does it as well as any group

out there. Now don’t expect a barbershop quartet kind of thing.

 

The band has strong lead vocalists from Mike Eli who fronts the remainder of the

group which includes James Young (guitar), Jon Jones (bass guitar) and Chris Thompson (drums). But when the chorus comes around, these guys are

tight.

 

That to me is the first thing that makes a band stand out. And these guys have had nearly 20 years to make their music the best it can be. Their sound is a very

natural thing, similar to the way family groups come across. In fact, these guys will tell you they are like brothers now.

 

Their first album came out in 2002, but it wasn’t until 2009 the group got a

nomination for an Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Vocal Duo or

Group.

 

The nominations and wins have been coming since. The thing that is just as

impressive to me as their music is the fact that the foursome, who met at North Texas

State University, have stayed together since beginning their musical career. That speaks

volumes to me because, often with a band, it takes a while to get that right blend. Also,

band members won’t often stay around for the long haul. The Eli Young Band has got this

blend thing down and done it because of their longevity.

 

They have been nominated this year as the Academy of Country Music Vocal Group of the Year amongst some incredible completion including Little Big Town,

Old Dominion, Rascal Flats and Lady Antebellum. I really like all of these groups, and I wish EYB the best of luck.

 

If I had to choose a favorite song from these guys, I might have to say all of them, they’re that good and they will have new music coming this year. Looks like I will have more favorites to choose from.

 

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.