Robin Wilson (vocalist for the Gin Blossoms) and Steve French (guitarist for the English band Star-Club) met 12 years ago when their respective bands were touring the States together. The two kept in touch.
Since then, the Gin Blossoms went on to sell more than four million albums, were nominated for a Grammy, have toured tirelessly and have been an ever-present voice on radio across the U.S.
French, meanwhile, moved to New York City to concentrate on his solo performances and songwriting, and to further develop his music production skills.
A few years ago, it became obvious that, with Wilson's energy and interest in diverse projects and French's evocative material, a collaboration between these old friends could yield a strong and emotive album that would both deepen Wilsons repertoire and raise the profile of Frenchs work.
The sophisticated pop of The Longshadows album Simple Minded Way is a departure from Wilson's day job band, (the album having been written and produced by French - formerly of Brit band Star Club.) Yet the collaboration of Wilson's voice and French's songs gels incredibly well, most notably on standout tracks, "Wishing We Weren't So", the melancholic "Weight On My Mind" and the Sixties-influenced "Sail On". The rousing chorus of "To Saione" reveals the perfect musical chemistry The Longshadows possess and the title track is yet another strong track with a slow-burning melody.
Gin Blossoms fans will enjoy the familiar voice they love in this new, melancholy, emotionally more mature setting, and will also appreciate Wilsons growth. Indeed, one of the strengths of the album is that its both resonantly distinctive and comfortingly familiar.
Now that Wilson is enjoying renewed Gin Blossoms activity, and Frenchs production career moving forward, (most notably of late with the completion of Vylet Wyldes outstanding new alt rock album Water and Chemicals out early next year,) The Longshadows Simple Minded Way will be a one-off, limited edition pressing of a unique body of work.
This rare CD will only be available while limited stocks lasts, but is also available for download from I-tunes and other digital outlets.
The GIN BLOSSOMS after show PARTY ! And your invited !! This Sunday January, 14 2007 after the Rock N' Roll Arizona Marathon Show in Tempe Arizona. The after show party!!!!!!!!! is at Mardi Gras/Famous Wongs(8040 e. Mcdowell rd)The Party starts at 9:00P.M. THATS AT MARDI GRAS/FAMOUS WONGS AT 80TH ST. AND MCDOWELL ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE STREET !!!!You'll see the lights !! BE THERE ! ! ! ! !
