It seems odd that Salvation Blues is Mark Olson's first true solo recording. After his tenure with the Jayhawks, Olson left the band to spend more time in Joshua Tree with his then-wife, fellow singer/songwriter Victoria Williams. Olson released a quartet of recordings with the Original Harmony Ridge Creekdippers (aka the Creekdippers), always with Williams either sharing the billing or in the band. Olson and Williams divorced in February of 2006, and he lost the home he built in Joshua Tree as a result. He took off on a solo tour of Europe where the sketches for a number of the songs on Salvation Blues were written. Produced by Ben Vaughn and released on the aesthetically brilliant HackTone label, the CD contains 11 songs; the first edition of the CD comes in a small, book-shaped digipack with slipcover and notes, lyrics, and photographs by Ingunn Ringvold and Krissie Gregory. Former bandmate Gary Louris co-wrote Poor Michael's Boat and National Express, and Williams co-wrote Winter Song. Sonically, Salvation Blues is pristine if simple. Vaughn keeps things uncluttered and clean, allowing just enough of a mix for Olson's beautifully impure voice to rise to the top unfettered. Musically, while Olson's been following his muse -- that weds country-rock, folk, and other American roots forms -- since the very beginning of his long career, there are few surprises in composition. His sidemen on this session include the great, undercelebrated guitarist Tony Gilkyson, pedal steel and dobro boss Greg Leisz, bassist David J. Carpenter, Michele Gazich on violin, Zac Rae on keyboards, drummer Kevin Jarvis, with Ringvold playing acoustic guitar and Louris and Cindy Wasserman contributing backing vocals.

1		My Carol
2		Clifton Bridge
3		Poor Michael's Boat
4		National Express
5		Salvation Blues
6		Keith
7		Winter Song
8		Sandy Denny
9		Tears From Above
10		Look Into The Night
11		My One Book Philosophy

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