Jay Bennett, a multi-instrumentalist who was a prominent presence in Wilco, broke off from the group late in 2001. Before his departure, he began writing songs with Edward Burch and the two put out The Palace at 4 A.M. on Undertow Records in spring 2002. In fact, the pair have worked together in one capacity or another for about seven years. Bennett first became acquainted with Burch in Illinois. At the time, Bennett belonged to the bands Steve Pride & His Blood Kin and Titanic Love Affair. In 1996, he first recorded with Wilco and the result was Being There. Bennett is also a highly skilled producer and sought-after session musician. He has contributed his instrumental or production talents to a long list of artists that includes Garrison Starr, Adam Schmitt, Billy Joe Shaver, Allison Moorer, Jellyfish, Sherry Rich, Tim Easton, Tommy Keene, Jeff Black, and Sheryl Crow. He further showcased his production abilities on 2004's Bigger Than Blue and The Beloved Enemy. 2006 saw the release of Magnificent Defeat. ~ Linda Seida, All Music Guide