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In the young Maesa Pullman, The Last Hurrah!! mastermind HP Gundersen has found the perfect singer for this ever-developing project so dear to his heart. After exploring the possibilities of the drone guitar on their 2011 debut, Spiritual Non-Believers (RCD 2109CD/RLP 3109LP), and the slightly more song-oriented 2013 follow-up, The Beauty of Fake (RCD 2145CD/RLP 3145LP/RLP 3145LTD-LP), The Last Hurrah!! are back with a third album that dives straight into the heart of classical song traditions and vintage production values, blending elements from country and Americana, classic British pop, psychedelia, and blues, with a pinch of soul. HP Gundersen has been a central figure in the vibrant music scene of Bergen, Norway, for decades, as producer, composer, and mentor for many of the city's artists. As a producer he discovered and nurtured the career of a very young Sondre Lerche, one of Norway's most successful international exports. In addition to Madrugada's 2005 mega-hit "Lift Me" with Ane Brun, he has produced over 50 albums -- including Tim Rose's final album American Son (2002). Gundersen names The Beatles, early Stones, Tin Pan Alley, and cosmic American country as his life-changing musical epiphanies. Maesa Pullman comes from a very musical family and was brought to the attention of HP Gundersen through mutual friends. Also a songwriter, guitarist, and pianist, she performs frequently with different musical constellations in Southern California, and is a profiled presence in the local roots community. Her cousin, Rosa Pullman, sings lead on two tracks here, "You Ain't Got Nothing" and "Those Memories." The album's musicians include some of Bergen's finest, as well as American guests such as Marty Rifkin (pedal steel), John Thomas (Hammond organ), Kiel Feher (drums), and Jason Hiller (bass).
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