Best known for his alt country sound with the band he founded, the Jayhawks, Mark Olson has continued to make great music. He left the band in 1995, but not before they released four great records, including two classics, Hollywood Town Hall ('92) and Tomorrow The Green Grass ('95) on American Recordings. Since then Olson relocated to the Joshua Tree desert and started The Original Harmony Ridge Creek Dippers (OHRCD), along with his wife, acclaimed singer/songwriter, Victoria Williams, and multi-instrumentalist Mike "Razz" Russell. Together they've released three independent recordings on Creek Records, Mark's own label: OHRCD ('97); Pacific Coast Rambler ('98) and Zola & the Tulip Tree ('99).

The rich mixture of country, gospel, folk & blues throughout My Own Jo Ellen reflects upon Mark's namesake grandmother who introduced him to culture and the countryside, and to whom he attributes his artistic inspiration. Political rumblings are heard on "Meeting In Lone Pine," about the attempts to cover up the transport of nuclear waste and "Ben Johnson's Creek," about a farmer out to save his land from developers. "Linda Lee" is a metaphor for the spiritual energy that draws people to works of creation, whereas "Someone to Talk With," details how one person can save another in crises. The narratives in these songs speak to the vastness of the human experience; all anchored to the powerful music this band creates.

His new record, My Own Jo Ellen, was recorded in a once-abandoned shack in Joshua Tree, California, with the Creek Dipper band: Mark Olson on vocals and guitars, Victoria Williams on harmony vocals and guitar, and Mike "Raz" Russell on violin and mandolin. Special guests include Greg Leisz on electric guitar, Don Heffington on drums, and Barrett Martin on vibes. The 10 original songs recall the true roots of American folk, rock, and country music.

Also available on vinyl!

“Mark Olson, a former member.......
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