Back On Track

Music is a longtime friend, one that comes in and out of our lives right when we need it most. When that longtime friend has something new to say, we embrace it with the same heart and soul as before. It forever sounds familiar, and it immediately strengthens that bond.

Country rock royalty Pure Prairie League, a seminal outfit during the 70's and 80's movement that brought mainstream success to the country and southern rock genre, continues to ride the revival wave with "Back On Track", the group’s 1st studio album in nearly 2 decades.

"Back On Track", to be released December 6th, 2024, on Pure Prairie League Records, takes the classic sound and gives it a fresh spin. Throughout a dozen cuts, we hear a rejuvenated band that pays homage to its signature sound while still injecting fresh sonic air. "Back On Track is simultaneously classic and contemporary.

Today’s Pure Prairie League features founding member John David Call on pedal steel, Scott Thompson on drums, percussion, vocals, Randy Harper on keyboards, vocals, Jeffrey Zona on guitars, vocals, and Jared Camic on bass, vocals.

"Back On Track" also boasts special guests Jenifer Wrinkle on fiddle, Jeff 'Birdman' Kirk on alto sax, Mat Britain on steel drums and percussion, and Gary Burr, a member of the band in the mid 80's and late 90's, on vocals.

Produced by veteran Pure Prairie League bassist and bandleader Michael Reilly, "Back On Track" was recorded at Riverfront Recorders in Madison, TN, with additional recording at Twilight Zona Studio in Hendersonville, TN. Initially, the album began in early 2023 as an idea for an EP to showcase the 3 newest members of, Harper, Camic, and Zona. But that quickly morphed into an entire band record that spotlights the new, as it pays homage to the old. And for longtime fans, there’s even a familiar visual treat.

“I called my old friend Bill Brown, who had done the illustrations for our last project in 2005, "All In Good Time”, says Reilly. “Once again, Bill captured the spirit of our old cowpoke and mascot, Sad Luke, while contemporizing the feel to reflect the band’s history, as well as the old is new approach to the music. The concept, the colors, the feel and the mood were everything we wanted”.

"Back On Track" flows like a freshwater river making its way through moss covered rocks to its home in a cool clear lake. Those who remember the 70's glory days of “Amie”, “Two Lane Highway”, and “Let Me Love You Tonight”, will be delighted at how much the band has preserved its style. New fans will rejoice in the uncluttered musicianship, sing along lyrics, and accessible blend of country, rock, pop and r'n'b.

Throughout its 54 year existence, Pure Prairie League has built a legacy that survived the twists and turns of the music industry as well as the revolving door of members during its decades long career. There has never been a shortage of demand for the band to play theaters and festivals, even when there was no new music to promote. With a catalog of best selling albums, particularly "Bustin’ Out", "Two Lane Highway" and "Firin’ Up", as well as a handful of Top 40 pop hits, most notably “Amie” and “Let Me Love You Tonight,” the band cherishes the past as it relishes the future.

“We’re hoping that our fans will be as pleased with the new record as we are proud of what we’ve done”, says Reilly. “I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the scores of people past and present that have contributed to the sound and the legacy of the band. We could not have done it and lasted this long without their love, loyalty, and expertise. It’s been a long and rewarding journey so far. We offer sincere thanks to all our family and friends for your continuing support”.