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The Jayhawks

The Jayhawks: Just Like Old Times

The Jayhawks (left to right): Marc Perlman, Karen Grotberg, Mark Olson, Gary Louris, Tim O'Reagan.

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Music Interviews

The Jayhawks: Just Like Old Times

The band helped create alt-country in the early '90s, but it's been 16 years since its principal members, Mark Olson and Gary Louris, recorded together. The two songwriters discuss breaking that streak on their new album, Mockingbird Time.

The Jayhawks: Just Like Old Times

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The Jayhawks: Reunited And Live In Concert

Mark Olson of The Jayhawks. The band performed at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minn. in support of their recent release, Mockingbird Time. Tom Campbell/The Current hide caption

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Tom Campbell/The Current

Favorite Sessions

The Jayhawks: Reunited And Live In Concert

The Current

Hear a special show by The Jayhawks, live from the historic Fitzgerald Theater, featuring songs from the Minnesota veterans' first new album in eight years (and a few classics, too).

The Jayhawks, Live at the Fitzgerald Theater, from The Current

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The Jayhawks In Concert

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Concerts

The Jayhawks In Concert

XPN

At the core of The Jayhawks' alt-country sound is the paired talent of Gary Louris and Mark Olson. Hear songs from the band's upcoming LP, Mockingbird Time, during a performance at World Cafe Live at The Queen in Wilmington, Del.

The Jayhawks In Concert

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The Jayhawks: Forever The Green Grass

Members of The Jayhawks pose for a picture after their live set on KEXP. Nicolas Romolini and Louis Sparre hide caption

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Nicolas Romolini and Louis Sparre

Favorite Sessions

The Jayhawks: Forever The Green Grass

KEXP

The decorated Minneapolis roots-rock band returns with a new album and tour this summer. The Jayhawks recently got back into the swing of things with a performance on KEXP's The Morning Show with John Richards.

The Jayhawks: Forever The Green Grass

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World Cafe

The Return Of The Jayhawks (Sort Of)

XPN

At the core of The Jayhawks' alt-country music is the combined talent of Gary Louris and Mark Olson. These guys seem to have it all: impeccable guitar lines, smooth harmonies and songwriting capabilities that rival just about any musician (or group of musicians) around.

The Jawhawks in Studio on World Cafe 09/24/09

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World Cafe

Mark Olson And Gary Louris: In Flight Once More

XPN

The pair first enjoyed popular and critical acclaim in the early '90s. After a 10-year hiatus, Olson and Louris reunited for a mostly acoustic effort with an old-time bluegrass sound.

Mark Olson And Gary Louris: In Flight Once More

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World Cafe

Gary Louris: A Jayhawk Goes Solo

XPN

As a founding member of The Jayhawks, Gary Louris co-wrote some of alt-country's finest albums with vocalist and guitarist Mark Olson. Louris strikes out on his own on Vagabonds, his first solo CD. Hear an interview and performance from WXPN.

Gary Louris in Studio on World Cafe 3/4/08

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Music Interviews

Gary Louris: Once a Jayhawk, Now a 'Vagabond'

Long before the breakup of The Jayhawks, band co-founder Gary Louris dreamed about releasing a solo record. Louris cut Vagabonds with musicians culled from a weekly jam session in Los Angeles.

Gary Louris: Once a Jayhawk, Now a 'Vagabond'

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Video Sessions

Mark Olson Finds 'Salvation'

Before embarking on a solo career, Olson was a founding member of The Jayhawks. Since the band's demise in 1995, he's remained one of the most respected singer-songwriters in roots music. Hear Olson play songs from his most recent album, Salvation Blues.

Mark Olson Finds 'Salvation'

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Music Interviews

Tim O'Reagan: A Jayhawk Flies Solo

The Jayhawks may have called it quits after two decades of pioneering alt-country music. But even as drummer and multi-dimensional musician Tim O'Reagan trots out a self-titled CD, he's joined by several Jayhawks alumni.

Tim O'Reagan: A Jayhawk Flies Solo

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Music Interviews

Musician Gary Louris and 'Rainy Day Music'

Fresh Air

Lead singer for the band the Jayhawks, Gary Louris. The Minneapolis band has seven albums to its credit — the latest is Rainy Day Music. The band is considered pioneers of the alternative-country movement, but have incorporated everything from pop to folk to rock and country. One reviewer in Rolling Stone writes of their new album, (it's) "all lilting vocals and gentle accoustic fireworks: The slow waltzing guitars and sweet, wrenching vocals of the mortality-obsessed 'Will I See You in Heaven' might seem melodramatic on any other record, but not here, because time rolling slowly away from us is the Jayhawks' main subject matter."

Musician Gary Louris and 'Rainy Day Music'

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Studio Sessions

The Jayhawks, Live in Studio 4A

The Jayhawks were at the forefront of the modern "alt-country" sound. There first album, 1991's Hollywood Town Hall, is a favorite of music critics and a devoted fan base. Now the Jayhawks have a new album and a new passion for spreading the word. Hear full-length cuts from their live performance in NPR's Studio 4A.

The Jayhawks, Live in Studio 4A

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