Music history is filled with albums that quietly leave a mark long after their original release. One such project is Definition, the heartfelt record from the Utah-based band Elysian Fields. Originally released in 1995, the album is now making a long-awaited return, newly re-released across major streaming platforms and introducing a new generation of listeners to a record that once resonated strongly within the regional music scene.
Listeners can now experience the album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2YOJ3Vyl60BoR7Lr0In8Xf
At the center of Definition is a blend of melodic songwriting, emotional storytelling, and polished musicianship. The creative partnership between songwriters James Shumway and Mark Roos helped shape the album’s musical direction, while the soaring and expressive voice of Kerri Murray gave the songs their unmistakable emotional depth. Together, they crafted a sound that balanced thoughtful lyrics with accessible pop-rock arrangements.
The album was recorded under the guidance of respected producer Cliff Maag, whose experience in the studio helped refine the band’s vision into a cohesive and polished record. Bassist Dale Sandberg—who also served as Maag’s assistant during the recording sessions—played a significant role in shaping the final sound, while drummer Jeff Francom anchored the project with a steady and dynamic rhythm section.
When Definition first arrived in November 1995, it was met with encouraging praise. Utah’s largest newspaper, the Deseret News, described the album as “a breath of fresh air” within the music landscape at the time and noted that it was “definitely one for the local band collector.” For many fans, the record quickly became a standout release within the region’s independent music community.
Several tracks in particular helped the album earn its following. “Staying With You,” a tender ballad centered on the discovery of a soulmate, became an immediate favorite among listeners. Other standout songs—including “Wings to Fly,” “My Fantasy,” “When the Days Get Hot,” “Eternal Flame,” “Take My Hand,” and “Desert Sky”—highlighted the band’s ability to move between uplifting melodies and reflective storytelling. Across the album, themes of ambition, love, heartbreak, and a deep emotional connection to the natural world created a body of work that felt both personal and universal.
The story of Definition began a few years earlier. In 1993, longtime collaborators Roos and Shumway reunited to write music again after having played together in high school. Their search for a lead vocalist led them to Murray, who had recently moved to Utah from Arizona. The chemistry between the three musicians was immediate, and by early 1994 the band had officially formed. Confident in the music they were creating, the group made an unusual decision: they would record a full-length album before even performing a single live show.
They chose to record at the Record Lab, the studio operated by Maag, where the songs that would become Definition were brought to life. Francom initially joined as a studio drummer but soon became an official member of the band, while Sandberg later stepped in as bassist. The lineup proved to be a strong creative match both in the studio and on stage.
Throughout 1995, Elysian Fields performed live across Utah, building a reputation for shows that matched the energy and emotional quality of their recordings. Their concerts featured the songs from Definition, additional original material, and select cover performances, with Shumway and Francom providing background vocals behind Murray’s lead. Francom, in particular, was known for the rare ability to sing while playing drums—a skill that added another dimension to the band’s live sound.
Although the group’s journey was relatively brief—Roos departed in early 1996 and was replaced by guitarist Kevin Weiss before the band eventually disbanded later that year—the impact of their music has endured. Definition stands as a snapshot of a moment when a group of musicians came together with a clear artistic vision and captured it in a single, memorable project.
Now, decades later, the re-release of the album gives listeners another chance to experience that moment. For longtime fans who remember the original CD, it offers a nostalgic return to the music they once connected with. For new audiences discovering it for the first time, Definition represents a rediscovered chapter of Utah’s music history—an album that provides meaningful songs and genuine artistry can remain timeless.
