The band's name is taken from a track by Captain Beefheart. That great singer/songwriter created his own inimitable kind of music - appropriate, because the songs on World in a Jar create a personal world through Paul Risi's eloquent lyrics and musical arrangements. This remarkable album takes an approach whcih is part autobiography and part flight of fancy. Inspirations range from early David Bowie and Tom Waits to Dundonian popsters Danny Wilson, yet the music transcends its roots.

Tracks such as "Trip, Stumble and Fall" have a bluesy sound, combining a punchy bass line, soulful keyboards and Paul Risi's unique skills as a songsmith. The sweeping strings of "Life O' Riley" create complex harmonies resulting in a finely crafted pop tune. "Shades of Grey" takes us by surprise at the end by replacing studio production with a raw live performance.

Ther are many notable tracks on "World in a Jar", which manages a rare double feat - a coherent and balanced album which is also a collection of perfectly formed singles. Through various themes, paul Risi's attitudes to love, friends and society are explored, forming a journey to a haunting ballad which asls the question "What's wrong with a happy ending?"

Paul was in the final stages of completing the album with the help of London-based producer and friend Tony McAdam, when he died very suddenly in August 1999.