A Conversation with .....

Mark Olson

Mark Olson is one of the most important figures of the "alt-country" movement...along with Uncle Tupelo, Jason and the Scorchers and others, Olson's band The Jayhawks were one of the most influential bands helping to define that genre.  We were honored that he took the time to talk to us recently....

Find out more about Mark Olson HERE.

NC: Your first show here was one of our favorites…will you be touring with the same configuration? Who are those players?

MO: I have a swell drummer/singer with me. His name is Ray Woods. I will be touring with Ingunn who was with me there last time and helped with the album upcoming here in October over in Europe. Ray is really something and once things really get going I bring them both on board.

NC: Tell us about the new record. How will people who loved Salvation blues feel about this record?

MO: I spent lots of time working on demos and picking the right songs for this album. I wanted to use very few tracks and just keep things solid and pretty so that is how we approached this. Always I am searching for the right sound frame to make the songs sound unique.

NC: The reviews of your record have been positive, and in fact may critics talk about how the album itself feels positive. Is that a

reflection of where Mark Olson is at this point in his life. If so, what is positive for you right now?

MO: Being able to perform and make albums and have a modus of operating and a plan and meaning to whats going on around my sphere of influence. I really enjoy working on projects taking them from the beginning and seeing them through. It can be painting a house, most anything and of course music is my favorite thing to do. 

NC: We are very excited about Vandaveer being on this show. What can you tell us about him?

MO: Yes he has a good thing going really like the production without so many tracks seems like this is the future I hope. 8 tracks and simple travel plans

NC: Another act that has opened for you – Cory Chisel- is one of our favorite acts here…what are your impressions of him?

MO: He is very good, really pro and on top of his stuff.

NC: A lot of Jayhawks reissuses scheduled very soon. When you hear Jayhawks records now, what are your thoughts about that music?

MO: I really like the fact that its all coming out again!

NC: What do you remember about playing Easton last time you were here?

MO: Sitting near the square (Martini's) the night before the show was a great time.

NC:   Congrats on being a curator (?) for the folk alliance with David Bromberg. How did that come about? Do you know David Bromberg?

MO: I have listened and read about him. i know he has an important violin shop. My Italian friends filled me in on this.

NC: Last time you were here you guys were looking for a good lake to dip into…do you remember if you found one?

MO: We just jumped in the Bay!