Andy Juhl (guitarist for Minneapolis group The Trimmed Hedges), is releasing A Simple Life on Land, his solo debut,  tomorrow at Acadia Cafe. It’s the kind of late summer album we like to hear - laid back, acoustic licks with an enduring quality.

We sat down with his Juhl-ness to chat about the new disc, some tidbits about the tracks and where to pick it up.

How did the solo album come about?
I’ve been working on this album off and on for about a year and a half.  My original intent was to make a completely acoustic album.  In the Trimmed Hedges, I get to express my loud, electric, progressive side, but I also have an acoustic, folk side that doesn’t come through in the Hedges material. So that was going to be the idea behind this album. When I was about half finished recording the album, my twin brother, John (drummer on the album), said that there should be some electric guitar and jamming on the album.  On this rare occasion, he was right. There are some great jams on the album, but also a lot of folk music. I think it’s a good mix.

How is this album different/better than the Trimmed Hedges material?
I’ll leave the “better” question up to the listeners. It’s definitely different. The structures of these songs are a little more straight forward as compared to Hedges tunes. Although, I can’t help throwing in time changes and mixed meters. It makes listeners pay attention and probably keeps them from dancing.

Tells us about the song “Voices on the Wind.”
It’s one of my favorite songs to play. The solo section at the end is especially fun. I could have played for another 20 minutes, but that might have been a bit too long for most listeners. But it would have been awesome! This song is a good example of my progressive rock side, with the chorus and most of the solo section in 7/8. There is another song on the album with a section in 7/8 time. I’ll let the listeners try to find it.

Any special guests or surprises on the disc?
As I mentioned before, my twin brother John plays drums and percussion. As you can tell from the CD, he is incredible. I like to compare him to Neil Peart of Rush. He also sings backup on the album, which is funny because we sound the same. It sounds like I overdubbed the vocals, but no, it’s John. Brian David, of the Trimmed Hedges, is an amazing bass player. He makes songs better with his presence. My wife, Cindy, lends her French horn talents to “Let’s Go Around One More Time.”

Tell us about the release show.
The CD release show is Saturday, September 1st at the Acadia Café.  The music will start around 8:30. Other musicians include Scott Moses Murray, Wallace Wylie, and Highway Shelter (from Iowa City.) This will be a very fun show. I will be sitting in with the other acts on some of their tunes, and they will be joining me on some of mine. I think there should be more of this kind of collaboration at shows.

Where can you buy the disc?
Right now, the best place to buy this CD is from the trunk of my car. By next week, it should be available at the Electric Fetus and select Borders stores. It will also be available from CD Baby and iTunes very soon. For people who just can’t wait, come out to the Acadia Café on Saturday!

Gigs? New band?
While my Web site is being redesigned, you can find my gigs on myspace. If you can’t get enough, check out the Trimmed Hedges . Also look for a new band in the coming months called the Pharaohs of Rhythm. Yes, the Pharaohs are coming.