Hide Review
from allmusic
Documenting the first half of an April 2002 acoustic show at the Minneapolis Woman's Club, this "official bootleg" was released by the Jayhawks' online fan site -- far more than a souvenir for diehards, however, the set is actually an exemplary introduction to the band's music, collecting virtually all of their finest songs into one beautiful, deeply intimate performance. By this time comprising only singer/guitarist Gary Louris, bassist Marc Perlman, and drummer Tim O'Reagan, the Jayhawks captured here is a band stripped of the scorching guitar solos and lush arrangements of its studio albums -- the emphasis is squarely on the songs, which boast a timelessness and depth that places them squarely on the same continuum as the folk and country perennials that were their inspiration. Even without co-founder Mark Olson's achingly beautiful harmonies, fan favorites like "Waiting for the Sun," "Blue" and "I'll Run Away" radiate light and beauty, walking the tightrope between melodic simplicity and emotional complexity with absolute mastery. For more information, visit www.jayhawksfanpage.com.