Out from lurking for a short review of this new act that I'd not seen before.
I even made sure to avoid listening to any of his music before going, so as
to have no preconceived notion of what I would hear.
This band is a non stop assault on the senses from the get go, and the
go-go-go. Totally nonstop and a wonderful 4 piece band of pure unadulterated
raw talent. I can't wait for these guys to come back for the Springing The Blues
fest here in Jacksonville in April!! (its free -- see www.springingtheblues.com )
I didn't keep notes or anything during the show. It was myself, Gary C (another
harp-l'r, my wife and one of her lady friends that went to the show and to have
dinner at Mojo Kitchen (a great BBQ joint in Jax).
Of course Gary C and I went up to check out Jason's equipment and found
a set of pedals and a Fender Bassman amp (appearing to be vintage)
We took pics with our cell phones of course.
This guy played so much that I can't even begin to explain.... It was a blur,
a wonderful, beer and BBQ, harp induced blur. I've not seen anyone since
I saw Sugar Blue (who I've seen probably 6 times) do what this guy does
speed wise on the harp. But he's not just a speed merchant. He's an ARTIST!!
He can play Sonny Boy II licks off the mic with the same aplomb that he can
play nasty blues notes amplified. But beyond that he plays something that
I can't really explain. He's a bit of Jimi Hendrix, Steve Earle, Frank Zappa and
Tom Waits all rolled up with all of the wonderful history of the blues harp rolled
tightly together with one of the best kick ass set of musicians I've seen/heard
in a LONG time.
Jason even kicked in a bit of Lou Reed's Take Walk on the Wild Side during their
extended set. The band never stopped, and Jason only took a couple of bio breaks,
cigarette break and a couple of trips to the bar for more Red Bull (copious quantities
I might add). Every musician in this band is rock solid and they are absolutely tight.
And they're tight with what must be improvisational music at its best. What they play
can't be charted and must be experienced.
And I wish, like Jason said after the show, that someone would have been running
a recording of the last song of the night --- Hats off to RickyTickyTavvy (sic?)!!
Jason said he didn't know where it came from, but like with Jimi it had a bit of
outer space in it.
Thank you Jason and band for a great experience. If you guys need some
home cooked food next time you're in town, get ahold of us and we'd like
to have you by for some BBQ or such. Thanks for the pic with my wife, though
you mugged it a bit.
For those who have not yet had the experienced this band, if they are within
even and unreasonable driving distance giving a show, don't even think about it,
gas it up and go. This guy can blow like he's got 4 sets of lungs.
Happy Valentines Day everybody.
GW
-- Gary Warren
"I take my woman on the beach, fellas, and set down in the sand and play." Muddy Waters (Deep Down In Florida)
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