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Mark Olson likes to travel light when touring. |
BY ZACK SMITH
FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR
For the many fans who have felt a void since The Jayhawks stopped touring in 2004, the reuniting of the band's chief creative forces, Mark Olson and Gary Louris, is great news. Even better, the pair will be steaming into Alexandria next Tuesday to play the Birchmere in support of their new CD, "Ready for the Flood."
The Jayhawks were probably the most acclaimed band to emerge from the alt-country music scene in the 1980s. The band's biggest success came with the release of its 1996 album "Tomorrow The Green Grass," but Olson left soon after to spend time with his wife (now ex), Victoria Williams, and to pursue a solo career.
He reunited with his old writing partner Louris to do some touring a few years ago and was surprised at how easily they were able to rekindle their old friendship. "It was really nice--it was a lot like when we first started," said Olson in a recent phone interview.
"We would rehearse three times a week, play maybe twice a month, and we might get together twice a month to work up new material. Gary would come over to my house. I would go over to his house. We got together and worked up a whole new batch of songs."
While performing in Europe, Olson became a big fan of touring by train, which he then introduced to Louris. Olson said he looked forward to getting acquainted with the American railway system as the pair tours the East Coast this month. "I like having my guitar, kind of small, traveling light--I've refined it over the years. You just kind of go, travel all day and play at night."
Before doing a U.S. tour, Olson thought it was important to record a new CD. He called in old friend Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes to produce the album. They initially met while touring together and had a very cordial relationship, even going out bowling after shows.
"Throughout the years we kind of stayed in touch and he seemed like a natural choice," said Olson. "He understood the idea of trying to do something more acoustic--and that's what we did."
Using a single microphone, the duo (sometimes with a few additional musicians) recorded all the material live, which is the same way it used to be done on old country and bluegrass sessions. The songs feature harmonies reminiscent of bluegrass duos like The Monroes and The Delmores, but have a feel that is more Simon and Garfunkel or vintage Bob Dylan. There are a couple of songs that rock like old Jayhawks material (notably "Chamberlain SD" and "Kick the Wood"), but there is a definite lean toward a more folk-based approach.
As for the tour, listeners can expect a mix of old and new, Olson said. "We're going to be playing pretty much all of the songs on the new album, and we will play some of the Jayhawks songs."
Fans can also expect to see a content and well-rested train traveler. "I feel very fortunate to be able to go around the country and the world and make music," he said. "It's very exciting to me. It is out of the ordinary, and I am really glad that I'm doing it."
Zack Smith is a local freelance writer, musician and educator. Reach him at
Email: barzac@aol.com.
| What: Gary Louris and Mark Olson of The Jayhawks promote their new album.
Where: The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria
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