Jula by Spirits of the Red City

Jula marks a first release for Denver label Collectible Records. The album will be available online digitally and for mail order on September 24th. Vinyl release date TBA, Fall 2013.

Recorded by Kevin Ratterman in his Louisville studio La La Land, Jula is the long-awaited follow-up LP to 2009's Hunter Moon, which was lauded for its "airy intimacy and elegance... wistful themes and relatively spare orchestrations [and its] honesty and passion" (Robin Hilton, NPR's All Songs Considered).

While Hunter Moon excelled in showcasing the band's unusual arrangements, Jula truly exceeds. With their signature combination of experimental jazz percussion, classical strings, and arsenal of roots/folk instruments, Spirits of the Red City have created a rare sense of space; even while the full instrumental lineup is sparingly applied, the music never seems bare nor overwhelming. And whether in calm croon, lilting lament, or yelling in desperation, songwriter Will Garrison maintains a breathless intensity that supports his humble, honest and intelligent poetry.

Though nearly all the Spirits of the Red City have at one time called Minneapolis their home, in the years since Hunter Moon's release all but Garrison have dispersed-- to Alaska, California, Colorado, Michigan, and New York. Despite their geographic disparity, they have devotedly toured all around the States-- performing in theaters and art galleries, back-yards and basements, parks and caves, on farms and ocean piers. And while Garrison does most of his songwriting at home in Minneapolis, each song's intricate orchestration is never fully realized until the ensemble is on the road. This process for the Spirits-- the patience that carries relationships though months of distance, the yearning that builds, and the ecstasy of reunion -- is what makes Jula a delicacy that was worth the wait.

We've been touring the country since spring of '09, sharing our music with folks in practically every state. Along the way we've been honored to perform with incredible musicians everywhere from theaters and art galleries to backyards, basements and ocean piers. We feel blessed to have met so many good friends.

Thank you for listening. And for saying hello. It's the best kind of support.

spiritsoftheredcity.com