In 1988, Jack O’Neill and Cary Pierce came together in Dallas, Texas to form the alternative acoustic rock folk pop duo Jackopierce (putting a heavy focus on vocal harmonies and catchy melodies).
While performing cover songs in a dingy club in Dallas one night, Jackopierce decided to whip up a tasty tune (on the spot) in an attempt to extend their set. Little did they know that “Three Of Us In A Boat” would become their signature song in a decade long career spanning 6 albums, 3 continents, 9 countries, and 44 states.
The duo sold over 500,000 records. 4 of them independently, 2 of them with A&M Records.
Jackopierce ended this spectacular run with a sold out farewell tour in 1997. After a 5 year hiatus, Jack and Cary came back together in 2002 with refreshed spirits and a renewed creative energy.
All of this renewed energy can be experienced on this group’s newest release, Everywhere All The Time.
This is what the band had to say about their reunion:
“If you do the math, you realize we’ve been reunited longer than we initially were together. We’ve grown up, we got over a lot of stuff, and we’re great friends. It’s been over 20 years of friendship,” Jack O’Neill says. “It’s like a couple getting remarried. The band previously became a job and we started to hate it and hate each other. We have newfound gratitude for each other and we really appreciate what we have,” Cary Pierce adds.
During their hiatus, Pierce immersed himself in (none other than) the Nashville co-writing scene. This time also allowed him to fit into his producer shoes which allowed him to act as Producer on Everywhere All The Time.
Most of this album was cut in Nashville. The group took a page from T-Bone Burnett’s production school by casting younger players with fresh perspectives that were the best players they could find. The musicians were then allowed to do what they do best…play their instruments.
The result is an amazing, uplifting, grooving collection of songs.
From the moment track 1 begins playing, you know you are in for a great musical experience. Everything about this record is top-notch.
I might just go listen to it again.
