Backing Laurent on his journey is his brand-new band, a group of young rock 'n' roll stars-in-waiting who impressed Laurent so much he chose to hire them rather than record "Gone" with an all-star line upof Minneapolis musicians. Drummer Troy Alexander, bassist/backing vocalist John Kerns, lap steel/electric guitarist Andy Lucia, and pianist Tim Oesau were up to the challenge. Laurent and company ramped up for the recording, and subsequent tour, with a weekly stint at Minneapolis' infamous 400 Bar, a high-stakes rehearsal that proved the old theory that practice makes perfect.