One member 'left behind,' but country trio sounds whole (Created March 6, 2013)

Constant evolution would be the best way to describe the music of Gloriana, a trio that first came together in 2008 and has worked through a series of personal and professional speed bumps to become one of country's brightest acts.

If the back story of Gloriana sounds familiar, it's because it followed the pattern of another act also burning up the charts. Much like the off-chance meeting that formed superstar group Lady Antebellum, the members of Gloriana first came together in 2008 when brothers Mike and Tom Gossin met with and eventually moved into the Nashville apartment of songwriter Rachel Reinert. It wasn't until the three honed their sound – living together, writing together and spending six months on a demo -- that they realized they might have something special in the works.

In a story befitting of country music, Gloriana's struggles didn't end with the signing of a record deal. A fourth member of the band, Cheyenne Kimball, had come on board following a failed MTV reality show. She sang and played Mandolin for Gloriana as the band made its chart debut with the single "Wild at Heart," followed by the release of their eponymous album in August 2009. Accolades and awards for the band followed, but Kimball didn't. Following a concert on July 8, 2011 in Missouri, she didn't play with the band again, and the reasons surrounding her departure still remain a mystery.

Gloriana's stock soared in the fall of 2011 with the release of "(Kissed You) Good Night" off their sophomore album "A Thousand Miles Left Behind." The song was not only the fastest rising single of their young career, but peaked at number two on the Billboard Country Songs chart, and moved into the Top 40 of the Hot 100 Songs Chart. A new single, "Can't Shake You," seems destined to follow the same path.

Gloriana has a full slate of tour dates booked in 2013, playing clubs and smaller venues through summer. The band will then kick it into high gear with planned appearances at fairs and festivals around the country. Don't miss your chance to see one of music's best new acts!