It seems like almost yesterday when Oxford, Mississippi’s Blue Mountain arrived on the alt-country scene.
With songs such as “In a Station,” “Soul Sister,” and “Let’s Ride,” the band carved a niche for itself nearly a decade before groups such as Lucero and the Drive-By Truckers made their mark. Led by the husband-and-wife team Cary Hudson and Laurie Stirratt and anchored by drummer Frank Coutch, Blue Mountain effortlessly straddled the chasm between country and rock to serve up tunes that were equal parts Carter Family and Neil Young.
Then, after five albums, Hudson and Stirratt decided to call their marriage — and the band — quits. But the pair put aside their differences for a reunion tour that kicked off in St. Louis earlier this year.
Andria Lisle catches up with Blue Mountain in this week’s Flyer. Blue Mountain plays the Hi-Tone next Wednesday.
