After a 6-year stint with the trio Rodriguez based in San Luis Obispo, CA, M. Ward began sketching out songs deeply rooted in the classic traditions of American country-folk.

Ward's first solo effort came in the form of Duet for Guitars #2, which was written and recorded with the help of John King while Ward was living between Chicago and various locales on the West Coast. Eventually, Duets for Guitars #2 was placed in the hands of the ever-enigmatic Giant Stand mastermind Howe Gelb, who released it on his own Ow Om Recordings in the fall of 2000. The record enjoyed favourable reviews and a considerable amount of attention in underground rock circles and Ward supported it with a handful tours throughout the United States and Europe.