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JOLENE
Jolene hail from Charlotte, North Carolina , USA. A band
well renowned for being one of the best live acts to come from a North
Carolina live scene that also honed the likes of Whiskeytown, Ben Folds
Five & the Continental Drifters, Jolene were formed in 1995 by chief
songwriter and singer John Crooke & lead guitarist Dave Burris. Just
a few months after forming they were in the studio recording their first
album 'Hell's Half Acre' which was released on the small Ardent label in
1996 to widespread acclaim. With a sound that crossed REM's 'Document'
style jangle, the close harmonies that you might associate with The Jayhawks
and some original tunes that were catchy, sassy and intelligent it was
not long before they had major label giants sitting up and taking notice.
In July 1997 they signed up with Sire records and immediately entered the
studio to work on their sophomore effort 'In The Gloaming'. With the big
label backing they were able to bring in producer Jeff Powell, whose credits
include Afghan Whigs, Primal Scream and Bob Dylan and this resulted in
a much cleaner, more textured album than their debut. Like it's predecessor
'In The Gloaming' was well received in magazines such as Mojo and they
followed up with a UK tour in support of American heavyweights 'Hootie
& The Blowfish' in which the general consensus among neutrals was that
they consistently outperformed the headliners night after night.
The November 1999 tour saw them pay the length and breadth
of the UK.There were highs and lows along the way. Audience turn out went
from disapointing to outstanding, but whatever the size people were amazed
by the band. Their forthcoming album ANTIC OCEAN is an incredible blend
of Americana and English folk providing echoes of The Jayhawks,REM, Nick
Drake, Jethro Tull and Echo and the Bunnymen. Comparisons are crass as
it is a truly inspired and original piece of work.
The Photos on the left were taken at The Flying Horse
pub in Markfield, Leicestershire on 19th November.
Read Guitarist Dave Burris's account
of the tour here.
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