Over The Rhine
Jan 3, 2011
Karin Bergquist, who has one of the most amazing voices in popular music, and her husband, multi-instrumentalist Linford Detweiler, are a perfect creative team who write intelligent, probing songs and surround them with sophisticated arrangements.
From their early days with IRS Records to their more recent efforts via Back Porch, OTR took inspiration from their Ohio roots (they're based in the Cincinnati area) and created music with universal insight. They became fully independent with the critically acclaimed "The Trumpet Child" a few years back and they now return with "The Long Surrender" - and both albums have shown impressive musical growth.
Produced by Joe Henry, the team of Berquist and Detweiler is as inspired and creative as it has ever been. This time around they took some cues from the jazz and torch songs you'd hear only in smoky piano bars and ill-lit theaters as well as other styles that are uniquely American. They were also joined by some impressive guests for the project including Lucinda Williams, Greg Leisz and Patrick Warren.
The first single from the "The Long Surrender" is "The King Knows How," but several other tracks are equally as strong including "The Laugh of Recognition," "Sharpest Blade," "Rave On," Soon" and "Oh Yeah By the Way."
Interestingly, the project was fan-funded and it marks the 20 years of recording for the act.
"We're really only reflecting what we've already heard," said Detweiler. "It is a mix of all the music we grew up with and were drawn to. But when this music is reflected back to the listener through the filter of our own particular lives, it hopefully becomes a different experience for those with ears to hear."
Henry added, "We settled for luminance over order, a terse beauty and a smeared-lipstick brand of soul. I am not in the business of dispelling mysteries, only abiding them when invited. Mystery is life's strange and glorious weather, so to speak. And this time, Over the Rhine brought it with them."
OTR just wrapped a series of dates in November and December. Tour dates for 2011 are in the works as you read this. For more information visit their Web site at www.overtherhine.com.