02.22.05
(AP)
Alternative Country/Rockers
THE JAYHAWKS have apparently called it a day after 20 years together. Singer
Gary Louris has confirmed that the genre pioneers - formed in Minneapolis two decades ago - are no longer an active band. "I don't think we're going to do anything else," Louris told the
Star Tribune. "We felt like we've done that enough. Everybody just wants to do something else. We haven't completely closed the door, but ... I'd say it's dead." A sold-out concert in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday reunited Louris with singer
Mark Olson, who quit THE JAYHAWKS in 1995. The concert was part of a three-week tour. Since their formation, the band had issued five major-label albums that have sold about 1 million copies in total. Louris recently co-wrote new tunes with THE DIXIE CHICKS, and appears eager to try other career directions, such as record production. "When you're on the treadmill (with a full-time band), you never have time to learn anything else," he said. "I'm enjoying all these new experiences." Led by gifted songwriting, impeccable playing and honeyed harmonies, THE JAYHAWKS' shimmering blend of Country, Folk, and bar band Rock made them one of the most widely acclaimed artists to emerge from the alternative country scene. Drawing on influences like
Gram Parsons,
Tim Hardin and "
Nashville Skyline"-era
Bob Dylan, THE JAYHAWKS quickly became a local favorite, honing their sound in Twin Cities clubs before releasing their eponymous debut in 1986. Issued in a pressing of just a few thousand copies, the album was well-received by those who heard it; a major recording deal did not follow, however, so Minneapolis independent label
Twin/Tone Records issued a release of demos the group had been stockpiling over the years in 1989, entitled "
Blue Earth." THE JAYHAWKS were signed to major label
American Records after producer
George Drakoulias first heard "Blue Earth" playing in the background during a phone call to Twin/Tone's offices.
[
LISTEN]
