The group—led by vocalist Cindy Wasserman (Grant Lee Phillips) and guitarist Frank Lee Drennen (Loam)—recruited a number of guest performers for the new album including John Doe and Exene Cervenka of X and The Jayhawks' Mark Olson. The record is produced by acclaimed artist Peter Case.

Wasserman and Drennen conceived of Bright Morning Stars as a "total California spirituals record," according to Drennen, "made by California musicians." For the album the pair covered old time spirituals by Blind Willie Johnson, contemporary gospel tracks by the Staple Singers, and even the Jesus & Mary Chain's "God Help Me" in addition to six original songs. "This record isn't just for people with a certain religious bent—it's a calling out, a reaching out," says Drennen. "These songs urge you to look up, whatever that means to you." - more on this story

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