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>> ALT-COUNTRY BAND'S TWO FRONTMEN, MARK OLSON AND GARY LOURIS, MAKING TRACKS JAYHAWKS DUO IS CHUGGING ALONG
Former Jayhawk Mark Olson talks about his new collaboration with co-frontman Gary Louris
Date published: 2/5/2009
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."
Date published: 2/5/2009
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