White Sky

Archer Prewitt's debut solo album, "In The Sun," was released in 1997 to critical acclaim. His discography and tour itinerary both indicate that he has rarely slept. This, his tenth commercially released recording since the release of "In The Sun," caps off a period of insane touring in the US, Europe, and Japan with The Sea and Cake, Sam Prekop, and his own solo shows. Archer also has found time for his career of growing renown as a visual artist which includes his comic Sof' Boy, published by Drawn And Quarterly. While "White Sky" continues in the same vein as "In The Sun," it is most undoubtedly the work of a more mature, more focused, reflective and confident singer, songwriter, musician, and arranger. The album moves from the lush, fully orchestrated pop of the opener "Raise on High," "White Sky," and "Final Season," through strong driving rock cuts like "Motorcycles" and bittersweet, introspective, Nick Drake-ish ballads such as "Shake," the fragile baritone flute strains of "Summer's End," and the final, acoustic guitar, strings, and lilting flute strains of "I'll Be Waiting." Recorded shortly after their return from tour, "White Sky" benefits from their newfound cohesion, especially the intricate and well-executed string and horn arrangements of Mertens and Prewitt. Archer's musical accompaniment comes from the same group of top-flight musicians as his debut, including Steve Goulding (drums-Mekons, Poi Dog Pondering, Graham Parker), Paul Mertens (sax, flute-Brian Wilson, Poi, Chicago Jazz Ensemble), Dave Crawford (horns, keys-Poi), Susan Voelz (strings-Poi), Mark Greenberg (bass-Coctails, Log Letters), and Edith Frost (vocals).