Tonic had a big hit right out of the gate in 1997 when their single "If You Could Only See" soared to #11. They were unable to follow this up with another smash and "Open Up Your Eyes"," which stalled at #68 in 1998, became the band's final chart entry. Which is a shame. The band, led by singer and songwriter Emerson Hart, had a lot more in the tank. They followed up their smash debut album with two more slices of radio-friendly rock, and then a self-titled reunion effort in 2010. "Do You Know" is a terrific cut from their third album, "Head On Straight."
Hart has released a number of solo records and guitarist Jeff Russo joined the Low Stars for their lone release.
Not many bands have a major coffee chain to thank for exposure, but Low Stars have Starbucks to thank for theirs. Starbucks dug the duo's coffeehouse acoustic rock and stunning harmony vocals, offering to release their lone self-titled LP on the Starbucks music label, Hear Music. Low Stars was a one-off project between Dave Gibbs (Gigolo Aunts) and Chris Seefried and Jeff Russo (Tonic). They've drawn comparisons to The Eagles and I can tell you why - just listen to "Need A Friend."
