The Witching Hours Session – 28/12/2017

The Jayhawks

Formed in Minneapolis in 1985, The Jayhawks were led by two gifted songwriters- Mark Olsen and Gary Louris. Their music was a blend of country, folk and rock and they were one of the best bands to emerge from the alternative country scene. For influences on their music think Gram Parsons, Tim Hardin and Nashville Skyline era Bob Dylan?

The Jayhawks are still making records, the last one being the well received ‘Paging Mr. Proust’ in 2016

Tonight’s listening;

1. – Hollywood Town Hall (1992)

The band’s breakthrough record. Great harmonies from Olsen and Louris’ and some mighty guitar work too. A fine album and country rock at it’s finest.

2. – Tomorrow The Green Grass (1995)

The last record with Olsen is also the band’s finest. Some great songs on this record; ‘I’d Run Away’, ‘Miss Williams’ and ‘Two Hearts’ to name but 3. Full of great harmonies, great playing and great melodies. An essential Jayhawks purchase.

3. – Sound of Lies (1997))

The foundation here is country rock but the album wanders into a number of different excellent music areas and showed that The Jayhawks remained a great band without Olsen.

The Jayhawks – Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

http://KEXP.ORG presents The Jayhawks performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded January 6, 2015.