Little Big Town Show Off Those Harmonies at Country Jam 2019 [Pictures]
About a half-dozen songs into their headlining set at Country Jam 2019 on Thursday (June 13), Little Big Town invited concertgoers, in Kimberly Schlapman's words, to "come back into the living room" with them. As they began their 2006 single "Bring It on Home" -- their first Top 5 hit -- the country quartet's harmonies were accompanied by only a single acoustic guitar.
Four voices, one guitar. It's how Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild, Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook began their time together, and, although they've added some flash and pizzazz to their sets, it's still what their music is all about. Its those familiar harmonies that make them stand out, both on their albums and live in concert.
Little Big Town haven't topped the charts more than a handful of times (three times, to be exact) in their nearly two decades together, but their catalog is filled with recognizable songs: The party-ready "Pontoon" and "Day Drinking" came first, naturally, before Sweet took over lead vocal duties for "Front Porch Thing." While many of the band's biggest hits feature Fairchild leading, LBT's 90-minute set was a reminder of just how strong each band member's voice is.
Mid-set, Little Big Town's newest song, "The Daughters," rolled into a cover of Elton John's "Rocketman." Later, "Wonderwall" -- yes, an Oasis cover -- moved seamlessly into "Girl Crush," courtesy of an organ-driven interlude. The latter was easily the loudest sing-a-long of the night, even if it's not typical upbeat, festival-ready fare.
"Boondocks," Little Big Town's first Top 10 hit, closed their set. A foreboding, darker intro gave way to the song's instantly recognizable harmony.
Country Jam 2019 continues through Sunday (June 16). Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan and Alabama will headline the remaining three nights of the festival.