REVIEW: The Jayhawks, Tomorrow The Green Grass (American)
- Linda Scott
February 1995 marks the tenth anniversary of The Jayhawks, a folk- country-rock group out of Minneapolis. It also marks the release of the band's fourth album, Tomorrow The Green Grass. This is The Jayhawks' second recording for American, label of heavy metal bands Danzig and Slayer. Some fans and critics have worried that American may inject a little metal into The Jayhawks, but Tomorrow The Green Grass shows the group's strong suits of lyrics and harmonies are still intact while appealing to an expanded audience.
The band's integrity and strong sense of roots can best be understood by looking at two original members, Mark Olson and Gary Louris. Olson/Louris are the key songwriters, singers and guitarists of The Jayhawks. Olson provides lead vocals with Louris picking up the lead guitar duties and they are the glue that holds the band together. Marc Perlman (bassist) has been with The Jayhawks since the beginning while keyboardist Karen Grotberg joined about three years ago. These four are the core Jayhawks. The band started out playing small clubs in Minnesota and developing a special country-soul, country-folk style. In 1986 their first album had critics calling them "the new Flying Burrito Brothers". The band soon discovered they could write their own songs, and these were soon performed on the circuit. At this point their music had evolved into a country-rock sound. The Village Voice in 1989 called The Jayhawks "the only country-rock band that matters". Louris described their sound as "folk music played really LOUD". Record producer George Drakoulias (Black Crowes) brought The Jayhawks to American and in 1992 Hollywood Town Hall was produced. The Jayhawks toured the U.S. and Europe headlining their own shows, opening for the Black Crowes, playing Farm Aid, and winning the Edison Award, the Dutch equivalent to the Grammy. They have backed other artists in their recordings including Joe Henry, Maria McKee, Counting Crows, Soul Asylum, and Olson's wife, Victoria Williams.
Over the decade since they came together, the band has matured and evolved without losing their trademark sound. Tomorrow The Green Grass showcases a beautiful string of folk-tinged pop songs by a band that is confident enough to stretch out and experiment. "See Him On The Streets" and "Anne Jane" along with ballads "Two Hearts" and "Over My Shoulder" hearken back to Blue Earth, a total country-rock period, while "Blue" and "I'd Run Away" are great pop songs. The final track, "Ten Little Kids" is a teaser - sound effects and distortion hint at a band trying yet another side - more alternative than before.
Hard core country-rock fans may be dissatisfied with The Jayhawks as they move away from that earlier exclusive style. But the country- rock inspiration of Gram Parsons and early Neil Young is still there. It can be seen in the economical yet emotional lyrics, stunning harmonies and impressive ensemble playing. The Jayhawks more open-minded fans will want their fourth album for its lovely songs as well as its snapshot of a band moving on to a more rocking style. Rock fans - even if you haven't heard much about The Jayhawks - take a chance on their Tomorrow The Green Grass !
