The Jayhawks were formed in 1985 in Minneapolis, Minnesota by founding members Mark Olson and Gary Louris. Led by the gifted songwriting, impeccable playing, and honeyed harmonies of vocalists/guitarists Olson and Louris, 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. They released four albums, The Jayhawks, Blue Earth, Hollywood Town Hall, and Tomorrow The Green Grass before Olson announced he was leaving the band in 1996. While Olson pursued a solo career, Louris kept the Jayhawks alive with an ever evolving lineup, releasing three more albums including 2003’s Rainy Day Music.
Gary Louris and Mark Olson are set to release Ready for the Flood a new album due out January 27th, 2009 on New West Records. Though the two have toured together and previously renewed their friendship, this is the first new release from the pair since Olson left the Jayhawks in 1995. Ready for the Flood, produced by Chris Robinson (Black Crowes), not only reunites the two old friends but also their unrivaled harmonies and songwriting skills, reviving their unique sound. The results of the reunion are undeniable, as can be read in early praise for the album: “These new memories—thank the Americana gods—are riddled with Louris and Olson’s past, but there are hints of even older musical moments. . .The production of Black Crowe Chris Robinson lends grit, but is never intrusive, letting the scruffy melodies and jigsaw-puzzle interlocking of these stellar voices do the heavy lifting.” (PASTE MAGAZINE)
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