With the backing of a horn section, the Josh Abbott Band sounded bigger and bolder than ever, closing out day 1 of JAB Fest 2017 in style.

Abbott touted the horn section near the beginning of his set, pointing out that they had previously played with Jason Mraz. This new musical aspect pumped up the band as well as the audience, which, despite a long night of drinking, dancing and singing, were still doing all of the above.

The Lubbock-based group has had a busy year, appearing on Fox & Friends and Jimmy Kimmel Live this summer, and releasing a new record in August, Until My Voice Goes Out.

Abbott has also had a year of personal ups and downs. He lost his father in March, and became a dad himself two months later. Oh, and he's engaged. But the emotional rollercoaster year hasn't dulled his sense of duty. Abbott was recently in Rockport, Texas feeding first responders and Hurricane Harvey victims alike, the band's fiddle player Preston Wait told Lonestar 99.5 in an interview.

Check out our pictures of the Josh Abbott Band in the gallery above, and check back soon for pictures of their closing set at day two of JAB Fest 2017.

All photos courtesy: Topher Covarrubio, NeverEnding Memories Photography

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