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I have never seen a Jayhawks show that did not move me, inspire me, amaze me - all of these things on different levels - so in a sense the opening night in Atlanta at the Variety Playhouse of the short acoustic tour was no different. Except it was. There is no radio in Atlanta that plays good music or advertises decent shows. Press is non existent when a band is "between" albums (and labels "between " distributors) as is the case with the Jayhawks right now. And yet a sold out, standing room only, beer drinking crowd packed the house (anticipating that something was up) and did what only fans in awe of the performers could do when a great rock n roll band pulls out acoustic instruments and begins to play - they shut the fuck up and listened - and the devotion paid off. Other than Gary, Marc and Tim, whose well developed senses of self deprecation were intact as ever, no one walked away from the evening with anything less than a feeling of enlightment. (Actually, over a few beers and a shot of bourbon after the show I tried and may have convinced them that did OK).

The songs continue to amaze me. If someone told me each and everyone had been written long ago and by some famous and classic musician - I would believe it. They all have an enduring quality - like songs that stand the test of time because of their wisdom and beauty - typical of songs that are passed through generations - as surely many of these will. In the meantime, get out and see these guys alive and kicking. You know that Marc is a creative bass player. In this context you get to see and hear it in clear uncluttered form. Ever question the studio harmonies on a Jayhawks record? (you should - most artists can't begin to sing harmonies in key live but you would never know it given the trickery available in the studio). These three, in various combinations (though primarily Gary and Tim) throughout the evening, nailed them all. We're all fans - I can report to you that the harmonies are in pitch - but you know that they are unique. It is a trademark, a signature of the Jayhawks music. An evening listening only to the pure vocal harmony and not even absorbing the lyrics would be worth the price of admission. But you can't ignore the words - they stay with you and inform you.

For the record, they played songs from every album and about a half dozen new and soon to be recorded tunes. Also, in case you are curious, the band is now scheduled to record in LA beginning in March with Rick Rubin and Jim Scott. The label, American, is officially distributed now by IslandDef/Jam. And last but not least, we are working on a new official website which should be up and running soon.

Best regards,

Russell Carter (Russell Carter Artist Management, Ltd.)

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