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LOS ANGELES, CA – On June 29, 2004 New West will release The Flatlanders Live ’72. Recorded at the One Knite (where Stubb’s BBQ is now) in June of 1972. The band didn’t even know this recording existed until the spring of 2003. The Flatlanders (Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock) initial incarnation had lasted less than a year. They only played a handful of gigs, maybe 15 or so, mostly in somebody’s living room. The One Knite was an Austin, Texas bar that catered to the down-and-out and had just recently started hosting bands who played for tips. The owner, Gary Oliver, was an amateur recording buff and, for his own enjoyment, recorded many of the bands that played in his club. On the night of this performance, only fifteen or twenty people were in the audience (a good crowd for the ’72 Flatlanders). This set was typical of The Flatlanders at the time – loose, spirited and soulful. Some Hank, some Townes, a couple of Butch’s songs, a couple by Al Strehli. Jimmie did more of the lead singing in those days, Joe sang a few. For reasons no one recalls, Butch didn’t take a lead on this particular night. What Joe thinks is unique about this set is that it exists at all. We think the song list and the harmonies are extraordinary. We’ll wager you too will find some things that pleasantly surprise you. It’s the sound of a ‘one-day-to-be-legendary’ band that doesn’t know the tape is running; it’s the unfettered Flatlanders. The Flatlanders will continue touring this summer.
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