The Jayhawks today put out "American Midnight," the second single from their forthcoming album, "Sanctuary Park," due Aug. 28 via Thirty Tigers.
"Sanctuary Park" was recorded in Canada with Canadian producer, Bob Ezrin and Canadian engineers, but lyrically there are numerous references specific to Canada. After marrying his wife Stephanie, a born and bred proud Canadian, Gary Louris became a permanent resident, giving him a somewhat unique view and perspective that has contributed to the content of these songs, like on today's single "American Midnight," which features a needle-perfect pop melody and lush three-part harmonies.
Louris said, "I'm not one to write political diatribes, so read into this what you will. But living up here north of the border gives one a certain perspective most Americans might not have."
The Jayhawks reunited with Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Alice Cooper, Lou Reed), who produced their 2000 album "Smile." When he heard Louris was seeking a producer, Ezrin signed on, and invited the band to his hometown of Toronto to record. "I love their music," said Ezrin. "There is gentleness and a sweetness to their sound, and I found myself craving a little bit more of that."
A conscious decision was made to highlight Louris's songwriting, the band's three-part harmonies, and the interplay between Louris, keyboard player Karen Grotberg, drummer Tim O'Reagan and bassist Marc Perlman.
"Get us in a room together, and there's no one better; we have a certain musical magic that happens without even a word or a discussion," Louris said.
"Sanctuary Park" arrives as the band celebrates their 40th year – the Jayhawks self-titled first record (known as "The Bunkhouse Album") was released in 1986.
This fall, The Jayhawks will embark on a North American tour. Tour dates are:
Aug. 1 - Boone, NC @ Appalachian State University: Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts Aug. 6 - Fort Collins, CO @ Washington's Aug. 7 - Steamboat Springs, CO @ Strings Music Pavilion Aug. 8 - Boulder, CO @ Chautauqua Auditorium Oct. 16 - Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall * Oct. 17 - Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom+ Oct. 18 - Pittsburgh, @ Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall + Oct. 21 - Washington, DC @ Lincoln Theatre + Oct. 22 - Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre + Oct. 23 - New York, NY @ The Town Hall + Oct. 24 - Boston, MA @ Boch Center - Shubert Theatre ^ Nov. 11 - Saxapahaw, NC @ Haw River Ballroom Nov. 12 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse Nov. 13 - Nashville, TN @ CMA Theater Nov. 14 - St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall Nov. 17 - Lexington, KY @ Kentucky Theatre Nov. 18 - Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue Nov. 19 - Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre Nov. 20 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre Nov. 21 - Minneapolis, MN @ State Theatre: Minneapolis Dec. 2 - Vancouver, BC @ Hollywood Theatre Dec. 4 - Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre Dec. 5 - Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall Dec. 8 - Grass Valley, CA @ The Center for the Arts Dec. 9 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore Dec. 11 - Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up Tavern Dec. 12 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether
* = with Julian Taylor Band + = with Cactus Blossoms ^ =with Joe Pernice
