Heartbreak has been fodder for many a great musical experience, and for Mark Olson, the same is true. With the 2005 dissolution of his marriage to fellow singer-songwriter Victoria Williams still fresh in his mind, the former Jayhawk spent the next year bouncing around Europe and the United States writing songs. The result is his first true solo release, The Salvation Blues, a collection of songs soaked in country-rock and folk nuances and informed by the pain resulting from a busted-up relationship. Featuring contributions from Williams and former bandmate Gary Louris, Olson’s latest is worthy of his work with the Jayhawks and the Creekdippers. Sunday, August 12 at the Cafe du Nord in SF. 7:30 p.m., $15. CafeduNord.com
.Heartache Blues
Mark Olson at Cafe du Nord Sunday.