Both Jon Langford and Sally Timms have long histories in popular music. Langford helped form the Mekons in 1997, and Sally (after collaborating on an album at the age of 19 with Pete Shelley) joined the band in 1985. They both now live and work in Chicago where they front an array of projects.
Chicago was where they met the Handsome Family in the early 1990s, and so it was fitting that they performed an extended opening set for the Sparkses in October last year.
This was an audience capture from the first row of the balcony in this acoustically perfect auditorium.
Recording information:
JON LANGFORD and SALLY TIMMS2023-10-06
Old Town School of Folk Music
(Opening for the Handsome Family)
Jon Langford: guitar and voice
Sally Timms: voice
John Szymanski: guitar
Martin Billheimer: harmonica
Tracklist:
01 Natchez Trace (4:27)
02 Dark Sun (3:55)
03 Losers (4:13)
04 Butcher’s Boy (4:07)
05 Slightly South of the Border (3:49)
06 Drunk By Noon (Handsome Family) (2:43)
07 Strange Birds (3:43)
08 Dora (5:21)
09 Abernant 1984-85 (2:22)
10 Banter - CDs in My Closet (2:33)
11 Junk Barge (3:12)
12 Hard to Be Human Again (4:25)
Total time = 44:50
Microphones: Audio-technica AT 843 omni pair
Preamplifier: Church Audio CA9200
Recorder: Roland R-07 at 24/48
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct