More Information
The Flatlanders - Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock - three of Texas’ most respected singer/songwriters, return with "Hills And Valleys," a new album just out March 31st from New West Records. The three friends pooled their diverse, yet complimentary songwriting talents and co-wrote eight of the 13 tracks on the record, their first in 5 years and only 4th studio album in 30 years. "Hills And Valleys" was produced by Grammy® Award winning producer Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks' "Home"), who also appears on the album playing acoustic guitar, Dobro, pedal, steel and more.
The trio, lifelong friends, began making music together over 30 years ago, releasing their first work in 1972 as an eight-track tape only and then on vinyl that was only available in Europe. The band gained a cult following, but, with the recordings rare and hard to find, went their separate ways, each becoming successful musicians on their own but most importantly remaining friends. They reunited in 1998 when asked to write a song for "The Horse Whisperer" soundtrack - which they wrote together (for the 1972 recording they wrote individually recording each other's songs.) The collaborative effort paid off, leading to a critically acclaimed "Now Again" (2002) and "Wheels of Fortune" (2004.) And as for "Hills and Valleys" Texas Music finds, "there's something about this go-round that feels altogether more relaxed and natural, like a record made on holiday by three guys with nothing left to prove to themselves or anyone else. Free of expectations, they casually spin off real magic." 
Email a friend
|
print page