Led by singer/songwriter Lincoln Barr, Red Jacket Mine has spent the last two years perfecting its singular brand of twilit pop—equal parts soaring psychedelia, spectral Americana, and string-laden chamber rock.
Begun as a solo four-track project to satiate an overactive mind trapped in the barren hill country of southeast Missouri, arrangements have grown more ambitious and tape hiss levels have mercifully fallen, but Barr's vivid lyrical imagery and melodic songcraft have remained constant. Joined in Seattle by fellow Missouri transplant Andy Salzman (drums), Seattle rock veteran Patrick Porter (guitar/pedal steel), and Idahoan jungle cat Ryan Chapman (bass), Barr's dreams of Red Jacket Mine-as-real-band finally became reality, and the band set about honing its craft in a series of increasingly high-profile club gigs while Barr penned the songs that would comprise their debut studio album.
Recorded at Seattle's Studio Litho by producer/engineer Shawn Simmons, Hello, Old Cloud delivers on the promise of Red Jacket Mine's early recordings and impassioned live performances. Featuring an impressive array of guest musicians, including upright bassist Keith Lowe (Bill Frisell, Fiona Apple), keyboard whiz Paul Hiraga (Downpilot, Ian Moore), and renowned string arranger Eyvind Kang (Blonde Redhead, Laura Veirs), the album was released in April 2008.
The band is currently working on a follow-up with producer/contributor Ken Stringfellow (The Posies/R.E.M./Big Star).
What Others Have Said... "Hello, Old Cloud reveals how much Barr has grown as a songwriter in the last five years…[his vocals] are in strong form throughout the record…I am confident that Red Jacket Mine are just getting started."
--- Hugh Miller, Unfinished web zine , May 19, 2008
"Hello, Old Cloud drifts along languidly, buoyed by Barr’s slightly fragile voice and intelligent lyrics. Like spiked lemonade, it’s refreshing and intoxicating."
--- Barbara Mitchell, Portland Tribune , March 14, 2008
"...on the cusp of releasing debut album Hello, Old Cloud, [Red Jacket Mine's] confident alt-country orchestrations sound like they've been around for much longer, as do songwriter Lincoln Barr's mature lyrics and smooth delivery."
--- Seattle Metropolitan magazine , January 2008
"Delicate, but not precious...<[em>Starboard] showcases Barr's nimble, low-key guitar playing and hushed vocals...recalls a young Scott McCaughey...a very fine thing for a newcomer."
--- Kurt B. Reighley, The Stranger , June 21, 2006
Red Jacket Mine has shared the stage with: Oakley Hall , Teitur , Red Heart the Ticker , The Stares , Downpilot , Johanna Kunin , Sneaky Thieves , Chris Robley & the Fear of Heights , Levator , Robert Roth , Tim Seely , The Maldives , John Weinland , Small Sails , Octoberman , Jonah , the Young Sportsmen , Bill Patton & the Credentials , North Twin , The Lonely Forest , James Hall , Whalebones , The Quiet Ones , Burning Rivers , Kris Doty , and many more...