Return Of The Old 97's

Alt-country favorites the Old 97's will hit the studio to record their sixth album, set for a June release on New West Records. The album will be the first on New West Records for the Rhett Miller-fronted band; the group's latest album, Satellite Rides, was released on Elektra Records in 2001.

For the as-yet-untitled record, the Old 97's will work with producer Mark Neill, a musician and producer known for his work with bands such as Los Straitjackets, Deke Dickerson and The Paladins. The band plans to record both in San Diego and Woodstock, N.Y.

Fans speculated over the band's fate after Miller took a leave to record a solo album, 2002's The Instigator. The band, comprising singer/guitarist Miller, bassist Murry Hammond, guitarist Ken Bethea and drummer Philip Peeples, plans to tour through the end of the month.

Old 97's Tour Dates

Jan. 19; Indianapolis, IN; The Vogue
Jan. 21; Cleveland Heights, OH; Grog Shop
Jan. 22; Philadelphia, PA; Theater Of The Living Arts
Jan. 23; Washington, D.C.; 9:30 Club
Jan. 24-25; New York, N.Y.; Bowery Ballroom

— Brian Orloff [Monday, January 19, 2004]