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The Jayhawks emerged from the same Minneapolis fraternity that also yielded Uncle Tupelo and later Wilco. The band benefited from early critical acclaim for reviving classic American music and songwriting, comparisons with The Band, Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan, Travelling Wilburys and Tim Hardin abounded all good stuff I'm sure you'll agree. Lately the question has arisen as to whether they can continue to create truly inspirational music while ploughing this same narrow furrow. Would they need to set flight and inter to new sonic territory or rockier and raunchier realms as Wilco have done with great success on Yankee Hotel Foxtrott. Their latest album ''Rainy Day Music'' proves that a good roots band can make good roots music sound fresh and inspiring even after spending 15 years together. The band came together in 1985 when Gary Louris joined a band fronted by Mark Olson. Louris was known as one of the most innovative guitarist in town, playing a distinctive pedal steel like guitar sound.
They were joined by Marc Perlman on Bass and Norm Rogers the first of many drummers. In 1988 they released their eponymous first album themselves, although well received the album did not lead to a major recording contract. Shortly after this Norm Rodgers left to be replaced by Thad Spencer. Then, around this time Louris was nearly killed in road traffic accident. This is where first serious record company interest came from small indie label Twin/Tone Records who released their first album proper 1989s 'Blue Earth'. This was a collection of demo's the band had recorded since 85. Check out the reviews page for a view on the recently re-released version out on Ryko Disc Records 4 August 03. Louris returned having recovered from his accident, drummer Spencer left to be replaced by Ken Callahan. The Jayhawks were then signed to a major label, American Records (now defunct), when producer George Drakoulias heard The Blue Earth album. A national tour ensued and the band recorded their third album in 1991. Hollywood Town Hall produced by Drakoulias was a critical success.
Critics were impressed by Hollywood Town Hall's mix of styles folk, rock, country and soul all blend together effortlessly. It included radio hits such ''Waiting For the Sun'' and ''Take Me with You'' when you go. The band became a staple in 'Best of' polls and radio play lists alike. Exit drummer number (I've lost count) anyway in came Don Heffington. The fourth album 1995s ''Tomorrow The Blue Grass'' continued where ''Hollywood Town Hall'' left off, the single ''Blue'', was an immediate radio favourite and Rolling Stone Magazine crowned them 'The only Americana Band that matters'. Marc Olson left the band in 1997 leaving the Jayhawks line up as Louris, (guitar/Vocals) Perlman (Bass), Karen Grotberg ( Keyboards) and drummerTim O'Reagan. The band moved label (Lost Highway) for their next album Smile. The lineup was trimmed to Louris, Pearlman and O'Reagan and then extended again when Stephen McCarthy joined on guitar.
Smile was produced by Bob Erzin who produced Lou Reads ''Berlin'', Pink Floyds ''The Wall'' and Alice Cooper ''Schools Out''. Smile is a classic Jayhawks album, vocal harmonies, poetic lyricism and infectious melodies. Acoustic guitar based ballads such as ''A break in the clouds'', ''What led me to this town'' and ''Broken Town''. Smile has a fuller some would say commercial sound, but although the album is accessible to pop fans the bands traditional roots foundations have not been lost. The over whelming thing about smile, is as the title implies is the band seem to be have had alot of fun making it. Other stand out tracks are ''Somewhere in Ohio'' and ''Queen of The World''.
Rainy Day Music was billed as the bands most acoustic and direct record since Hollywood Hotel and indeed it is. Fortunately it also matches Hotels depth. ''Stumbling Through the Dark'' is a classics Jayhawks track, 'Tailspin' and 'Eyes of Sarah Jane' remind you of old favourites like I'd Run Away'. All the Right Reasons' recalls the trade mark soaring harmonies of Blue Earth. Rainy Day Music confirms The Jayhawks as and 'Americana band still worth listening to.
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