Chris Jones & The Night Drivers’ ‘How Small of Me’ is a Timeless Meditation on Humility
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Celebrating a significant 30-year milestone since the formation of his band, the Night Drivers, Chris Jones has once again turned to the country sound that has been a hallmark of his career. His latest release, “How Small of Me,” from Mountain Home Music Company, is a thoughtful and complex meditation wrapped in the classic mid-tempo lilt reminiscent of a mid-’60s country icon like George Jones. This new single serves as both a testament to his enduring artistry and a perfect showcase for his unique, soulful voice.
For this release, Jones reunited with some long-time friends and collaborators to create a truly special recording. He co-wrote the song with John McCutcheon, an artist he first met as a teenager but had never written with until now. This newfound songwriting partnership has yielded an emotionally nuanced lyric, particularly in the memorable chorus that bookends the song, and promises more fruitful results in the future. The track also marks a landmark collaboration with fellow bluegrass and Americana luminary Jim Lauderdale. Despite a friendship spanning decades, this is the first time the two have ever sung together on a recording. Lauderdale, a long-time admirer of Jones’s vocals, adds a distinct layer to the song, solidifying its status as a collaboration between two of music’s most respected voices.
Musically, “How Small of Me” is a masterclass in elegant, acoustic-driven arrangement. While Chris Scruggs of Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives contributes a welcome and swooning steel guitar, the song maintains a largely acoustic tone. It kicks off with the elegant mandolin work of Night Driver Mark Stoffel and is underpinned by Jones’s own solid acoustic guitar. The subtle yet impactful touches of baritone ukulele from Night Driver Grace van’t Hof and the steady upright bass from former Night Driver Jon Weisberger round out the track’s understated framework. This instrumental precision and thoughtful production provide the perfect setting for a lyric that explores emotional complexity with grace.
Chris Jones & The Night Drivers are well-known for creating distinctively elegant yet driving music. The band, which also includes Mark Stoffel on mandolin, Grace van’t Hof on banjo and ukulele, and Marshall Wilborn on bass, is led by Jones’s soulful singing and songwriting. Their live performances and studio albums are celebrated for a blend of dry wit, emotional authenticity, and broad humor. High praise from legends like Steve Martin, who has called the Night Drivers “some of the best players in bluegrass,” and Jim Lauderdale, who lauds Jones’s voice as “one of the most distinctive and best voices in music, period,” speak to the band’s respected place in the genre. With more than a dozen IBMA awards and ten number-one songs to their credit, the Night Drivers continue to build on a legacy of excellence. Adding to his accolades, Jones is also a celebrated SiriusXM DJ, further solidifying his influence and reputation in the world of bluegrass and country music. “How Small of Me” is a fitting tribute to their long history and a testament to their continued creative vitality.