"Jericho" is the eighth studio album by the Canadian-American rock group The Band, released in 1993, seventeen years after their famous farewell concert. This album marked the first release featuring the group's later configuration, and it was their first for Rhino's Pyramid Records. The lineup included original members Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Garth Hudson, along with newer members Jim Weider, Randy Ciarlante, and Richard Bell. The album also featured contributions from fourteen guest musicians, a trend that became common in the group's later works.
The Band had attempted to record a new album in 1985, but plans were derailed by the tragic death of Richard Manuel in 1986. After a long hiatus, they resumed recording in the early '90s under a contract with Sony, but those efforts did not yield an album. Following the death of another member, Stan Szelest, the group switched labels and secured a contract with Great Pyramid Records. Without their primary songwriters, they relied heavily on outside material from notable songwriters like Muddy Waters, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan. The album also included a song recorded during the 1985 sessions featuring Manuel's vocals.
The album cover features a painting by Peter Max of the "Big Pink" house in West Saugerties, New York, a significant location where Bob Dylan and The Band created much of their legendary music. This nostalgic artwork connects the album to the rich history of the group's earlier work, particularly the albums Music from Big Pink and The Basement Tapes. Jericho ultimately served as a testament to The Band's enduring legacy and ability to evolve while honoring their roots.
