Influential band The Jayhawks have announced the April 29 release of their long-awaited new album Paging Mr. Proust (Thirty Tigers). The 11-song new album finds the 2016 Jayhawks still remain one of America’s foremost rock bands: based around leader Gary Louris’ gift for melody that has made them such a respected and seminal group for almost three decades.
Paging Mr. Proust features the long-time core of the Jayhawks: Gary Louris (lead vox/guitars), Marc Perlman (bass), Tim O’Reagan (drums/vox), and Karen Grotberg (keyboards/vox). Paging Mr. Proust was co-produced by Louris, REM’s Peter Buck and Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket) and recorded at Martine’s Flora Recording & Playback in Portland, OR. From the jangle of album opener “Quiet Corners & Empty Spaces” to the trademark harmonies of “Isabel’s Daughter” to the more pensive “Lover Of The Sun”, it is clear that The Jayhawks’ power remains undiminished from their initial national impact, 1992’s Hollywood Town Hall.
Other tracks such as the sludgy rocker “Lost The Summer”, the kraut-rock groove of “Ace” and the taut minimalism of “Comeback Kids” bring new sounds to the palette. “Leaving The Monsters Behind” features a trademark vocal turn special guest Mike Mills. “We worked harder in pre-production than any previous Jayhawks record,” says Louris, having demoed most of the songs in his home studio before extensive workshopping with the band, and eventually recording in the hospitable confines of Martine’s studio.
The Jayhawks have announced a handful of May tour dates, with many more to be announced soon. See list of dates below.
The Jayhawks May Tour Dates
May 13 – Madison, WI – Barrymore Theatre
May 14 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre
May 15 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Small’s
May 17 – Rocky Mount, VA – Harvester Center
May 18/19 – Philadelphia, PA – Non Comm Convention
May 20 – Louisville, KY – Headliner’s
May 21 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre
May 22 – Iowa City, IA – The Englert Theatre
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But there are five people in the photo. is that Kraig Johnson?