 Gary Louris Lead Vocal and Guitar |
 Marc Perlman Bass Guitar |
 Karen Grotberg Keyboards and Vocals |
Tim
O'Reagan |
The Jayhawks are from Minneapolis, where they formed in 1985. The original lineup was Gary Louris, Mark Olson, Marc Perlman and Thad Spencer. They began as a country/folky type outfit, but have progressed into one of the best rock bands around. Over the course of 10 years they released 4 albums, building on the songwriting and vocal harmonizing of Olson/Louris. After two fantastic albums, Hollywood Town Hall (1992) and Tomorrow the Green Grass, released (1995), founding member Mark Olson left the band to pursue other interests. Since the songs and harmonies of Olson/Louris were such an integral part of the Jayhawks sound, it was a given that the band was through. There were many rumors about them breaking up, changing the name of the band, etc. But in the end, Gary Louris emerged as the new leader of the Jayhawks. On April 22 of this year the remaining members released the much anticipated album Sound of Lies. Mark Olson was great, the old Jayhawks were fantastic, but the Jayhawks have never sounded better. With Gary as the principle songwriter and lead singer, the band has created a whole new Jayhawks sound, and I am tempted to say it is their best album to date. From the opener 'The Man Who Loved Life' to the closing title track, this is a new, awesome, Jayhawks sound, and I really, really love it.
Click here for a complete bio on the Jayhawks from their American Recordings Homepage
Click here for a review of the recent Jayhawks concert we saw in Minneapolis
The Band
Gary Louris Lead Vocal and Guitar |
Marc Perlman Bass Guitar |
Karen Grotberg Keyboards and Vocals |
Tim
O'Reagan |
In addition, the Jayhawks were joined on the album and on their current tour by Kraig Johnson and Jessy Greene. Kraig, who is also in the band Run Westy Run and is Jarret Decatur in Golden Smog, plays acoustic and electric guitars, Jessy, formerly of The Geraldine Fibbers, plays the violin and looks fantastic.
It is very hard for me to express in words why the Jayhawks are my favorite band or why their music moves me like it does. One of the main reasons I love them so much has got to be the incredible voice of Gary Louris. There are probably a hundred other reasons I could give you, but I think to really understand you need to go buy their CDs and see for yourself. This band rules!
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