They are a storied duo, Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist, and have been around for 20 years at the core of Over the Rhine. OtR began in 1990, starting band life as most do; with four pieces as a rock outfit. "I was continuing my education, considering my masters degree, when this tall, lanky fella approached me about singing lead for some rock band in Cincinnati," recalls the classically trained Bergquist. "I didn’t just jump at the chance. I lunged."

The name came from the gritty neighborhood Over-the-Rhine, which the band first called home base. They found local success, and started to attract a wider audience with the release of two indie, and beautifully packaged, records. Then they signed to IRS, which re-released their second record Patience with its original artwork. I can tell you that the packaging caught my attention first when I was a radio programmer, and a listen proved that their art wasn't just skin deep. Their catalog is impressive, abundant, and artful.

We all just missed their train trip into the Southwest with Lucy Wainwright Roche, Mickey Grimm, Swan Dive, Michael Wilson and Lynn Neal, as it wrapped up on November 10th, but there are shows ahead that will drench you in sonics and wonder.

And REJOICE! There is a new CD on the way, The Long Surrender, set for release on February 8th, 2011. No need to fret, though, as Music Fog was given the opportunity to record the band in preparation for the new album to come out. Here's an exclusive from Over the Rhine, filmed during our sessions at Americana Fest in Nashville this past September. From the forthcoming CD, enjoy "The Laugh of Recognition." Yum!

- Jessie Scott