The Autumn Defense

The Autumn Defense arrived with the 21st century, capturing colors of a bygone era. Fronted by John Stirratt, longtime member of Wilco and formerly Uncle Tupelo, the Autumn Defense is the result of a collaboration between Stirratt and musical compatriot Pat Sansone (who has worked with Joseph Arthur, Swan Dive, and Josh Rouse to name a few). Sharing roots in the Southern rock scene of the late '80s, the two converged a decade later in New Orleans after Stirratt's completion of the Mermaid Avenue sessions with Wilco and Billy Bragg.

Between noontime highs and slipping sunsets, the Autumn Defense create a sound which both embraces and resists the moods of autumn, and so defines their name. The multi-instrumental duo chase the sun westward to the California coast, gathering inspiration from classic L.A. pop and well-crafted melody in the '60s and '70s traditions. Between gentle harmonies and instrumental texturing, the associations are tempting: a trace of the Beach Boys or a Wilson brother? The Byrds, the Bee Gees, Bread, the Zombies piano pop? Stirratt himself quotes the seminal Forever Changes (Love) as one shaping influence to their sound.

The Autumn Defense's first studio effort found Stirratt delivering the bulk of the writing effort, with Sansone flexing his talents in arrangement and engineering. Other contributors included former Wilco players Ken Coomer (drums) and Bob Egan (pedal and lap steel). The Green Hour was released in 2000 on Stirratt's own Broadmoor label.

Always busy with other musical commitments, Sansone and Stirratt carried the Autumn Defense forward in low gear. Work began on the second album in the winter of 2002 at a friend's studio in Nashville, and after the passing of two summers and another winter, and numerous volleys between Chicago and New York, Circles was ready for release in October of 2003 on the Arena Rock label. Circles revealed a more earthy, pensive, and suitably autumnal disposition -- a work of deeper beauty and maturity. The duo continued making music together as their schedules allowed and the results were 2007's self-titled album and 2010's Once Around.

from Wikipedia:

The Autumn Defense is an indie band composed of multi-instrumentalists John Stirratt and Pat Sansone.

History

The Autumn Defense began as a side project for John Stirratt, best known for his work as bassist for alt-country bands Wilco and Uncle Tupelo. In 1999 Stirratt began collaborating with friend Pat Sansone, known for his work with Joseph Arthur and Josh Rouse, to produce 1960s-style rock/pop. Their debut album The Green Hour was released on Stirratt's own Broadmoor label, with Stirratt doing the bulk of the writing while Sansone focused on the technical recording aspects. The band did some light touring around the United States in between other projects.

The duo reconvened in 2002 to begin work on their follow-up album, the critically acclaimed Circles released in 2003 on the Arena Rock Recording Co. label. The band received press in Mojo, No Depression, and the Chicago Tribune and supported the release with a successful club tour throughout America and Europe.

Since the release of Circles Sansone has joined Stirratt as part of Wilco's current six-man lineup. Stirratt also released an album with his twin-sister Laurie, entitled Arabella in 2004. The album was released on Broadmoor Records.

The band's third, self-titled record was released in the US January 16, 2007 on Broadmoor while Broken Horse records issued The Autumn Defense in the UK/Europe on February 25, 2008. The band embarked on a US tour in February and March 2007.

The Autumn Defense released their fourth LP titled "Once Around" in November 2010 on Yep Roc Records.