The fact that Texas music titans Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock – on their first go-round as The Flatlanders in 1972 – were completely rejected by the country music establishment is surprising in retrospect but, ultimately, poetic. That each went on to have formidable solo careers is a testament to their talent and determination. Add to this their diverse yet complimentary styles – Joe the street-wise rocker, Jimmie Dale the mystic with the classic country voice and Butch the cerebral folk singer – and you’ve got a story of one of the most extraordinary kinships in American musical history.
Gilmore, Ely and Hancock are expected to release Hills And Valleys March 31, co-writing eight of the 13 tracks.