The Jayhawks are an American
alternative country and
country rock band that emerged from the
Twin Cities music scene during the mid-1980s. Their country rock sound was influential on many bands who played the Twin Cities circuit during the 1980s and 1990s like
Uncle Tupelo, the
Gear Daddies and the
Honeydogs. They have released several studio albums, including five on the
American Recordings label. On hiatus from 2005 to 2009, the band has since reunited, releasing an album,
Mockingbird Time, in September 2011. After another brief hiatus, the 1997 touring lineup reunited to play shows in 2014 to support the reissue of three albums released between 1997 and 2003. After the tour, Mark Olson again left the band. It was later revealed that he left because of a strained relationship with band member Gary Louris. In September 2015 the band announced that they are recording a new album, produced by
Peter Buck, which is expected to be released in 2016.