Chris is known most recently for his work with The Lynn Morris Band and with Weary Hearts with whom he recorded the critically acclaimed "By Heart" album for Flying Fish Records. In addition, Chris has toured and recorded with groups as diverse as Chicago's Special Consensus and Warner Brothers Country hitmakers The McCarters. He has also performed on the Grand Ole Opry with Laurie Lewis, Lynn Morris and the Whitstein Brothersl.

Chris Jones and the Night Drivers draw inspiration from the early masters of bluegrass like the Stanley Brothers and Flatt & Scruggs. Like those bands, they believe in making good original material the cornerstone of a unique band sound.

In 1996 Chris's CD, Blinded By The Rose, received rave reviews worldwide, and one of Chris's songs, "Dark Wind Of Missouri" spent over a year on Bluegrass Unlimited's National Bluegrass Survey.

Chris's next two releases on Rebel, "No One But You" and the current "Follow Your Heart", both spent several weeks on the Gavin "Americana" chart, competing with artists from a variety of genres, including Steve Earle, John Fogerty and Emmy Lou Harris. The new CD is climbing the Bluegrass Unlimited charts as well.

Though the business base of the band is in Nashville, the Night Drivers are scattered around the country from Tennessee to New Jersey. Original member, Doug Knecht, plays the banjo, as well as guitar and mandolin, and lives in the small town of Roanoke, Illinois. Doug is one of the most underrated banjo players in the business, and has formerly worked with "Wild and Blue", and midwestern bluegrass legend Don Brown, among others. Slavek Hanzlik was born in Prague, in the Czech Republic, where he has a wife and son, but he is also a Canadian citizen, having immigrated to Winnipeg a number of years ago, and also has a temporary home in Chicago, Illinois (he does more night driving -- and flying -- than the rest of us). Slavek is known for his guitar work and has 3 sensational CDs out of his music on the Sierra and Flying Fish labels. His most recent release is called "Fall Of My Dreams". Slavek plays acoustic bass in the Night Drivers, but his guitar playing is featured in every show as well. The Night Drivers now have a flexible fourth piece, depending on geographical considerations: Barry Mitterhoff, known for his outstanding work with Tony Trischka and Skyline, Hazel Dickens and many others (he also played in Chris's first band, "Horse Country" when both of them were relative youngsters), plays mandolin and sings baritone. If Barry is unable to make the long journey from his home in New Jersey, Audie Blaylock is the other Night Driving mandolin player. Audie lives near Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is a former member of Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys as well as the Lynn Morris Band. Audie plays great mandolin and guitar and is a versatile singer, handling any harmony part. Audie and Barry will also sometimes appear together in the band (proving once and for all that they are not the same person).

For a current update on what's happening with Chris and the Night Drivers refer to the tour schedule page.

What people are saying about Chris Jones:

"Chris Jones is one of those treasures in bluegrass; a writer, singer and musician who respects the past, while gently bringing his own style and vision to the music"

Bluegrass Unlimited

"Chris is one of the preeminent male vocalists in bluegrass, with a rich, resonant, traditional bluegrass voice and impeccable phrasing and timing."

Bluegrass Now

"I'm really sick of Chris Jones's hair."

John Simon, New York Magazine

"Jones impressed at every turn. A vocal delivery that balanced emotion and convincingly conveyed a storyline, plus tight and unique instrumental arrangements were all rolled into his distinctive original songs and a choice selection of covers."

Peter North, Edmonton Journal

Chris Jones & The Night Drivers: Don't Miss the Ride