The lifelong friends launched the Flatlanders in 1972 with an eight-track tape and vinyl recording only available in Europe. Obviously, they were too obscure for even the cultest of cult followings and disbanded.

Each made a name for himself as a respected Texas singer/songwriter. They reunited in 1998 to write a song for “The Horse Whisperer” soundtrack. That eventually led to 2002’s Now Again and 2004’s Wheels of Fortune.

Gilmore, Ely and Hancock are expected to release Hills And Valleys March 31, co-writing eight of the 13 tracks.

The trio will play most nights in April and May, starting at the State Theatre in Ithaca, N.Y., April 3 and wrapping in Conroe, Texas, June 6. The Flatlanders travel as far west as Slim’s in San Francisco May 23, the Strawberry Music Festival in Yosemite May 24 and L.A.’s Troubadour May 30.