He picked up his first guitar at age of seven. And in the almost haunting way that artists sustain themselves and stay centered, he explored by following his musical muse where she led.
And he is now not only a dexterous instrumentalist, but a visionary composer of finger-tapping music and on-target lyrics you'll regret not hearing in full. His vivid verse makes you feel he knows you.
ENTER DYLAN
The prestigious Berklee College of Music saw Jason's artistry when he was 20, when he was accepted. He was soon co-writing songs with a friend who turned him on to albums by artists ranging from The Replacements, to Gram Parsons, to Bob Dylan.
His muse saw to it that a paperback copy of Dylan's biography received Jason's undivided attention, and he soon saw that the music and lyrics he sought could not be studied or taught at a school. He looked elsewhere.
FINDING HIS COMMUNITY OF MUSICIANS
His quest landed him an unlikely job as a handyman in New York City's Electric Lady Studios where, after the floors were swept, he would sit in the lobby playing a slide guitar. But the muse ensured that the talent was noticed by the likes of artists D'Angelo and Dave Matthews, who were recording at the studio.
He would play with them every night thereafter and meet the community of musicians he had been seeking. He met a singer named Leona Naess at an open-mic night. When she got signed by MCA records, she invited him to London to help write and record her new album, "Comatised," for which he co-wrote the album's "New York Baby," released also as a single.
Jason toured the world with Leona, and would co-produce a second album, which included three original songs by Jason: [identify songs here].
L.A. and NIGHT LIKE MY HEAD
Having attracting the attention of label owner, Matt Roberts, who runs Surprise Truck Entertainment in Los Angeles, Jason spent a week recording all the instruments for his solo debut album, Underground , without the aid of a computer at Lincoln Lounge Studios in Venice Beach, California.
He returned to L.A. to begin recording his sophomore effort, Night Like My Head , with Jason Lader (of Mars Volta and Fur Slide fame). Some seasoned pro's joined him: New Radicals' singer Danielle Brisoisse, guitarist Joel Shearer (with Pedestrian and Alanis Morrissette), and Adam McDougle (known for his work with Macy Gray and Ben Taylor).
The album was released on Yep Rock Records in 2004. During the album's promotion, he also became musical director for Leona Naess's two Northeastern tours, which opened for Ryan Adams.
HITTING HIS - AND HIS MUSE'S - STRIDE; B.B. KING & BRAZILIAN GIRLS
Jason went on the road in 2005, opening shows, as well as providing guitar support for Kate Fenner and Chris Brown, who were opening for none other than B.B. King.
When he was not on the road, he opened for the Brazilian Girls in their infamous Sunday night appearances at Nublu. You can often hear Brazilian Girls still performing Jason's originals.
"...RICHEST WORK TO DATE"
Jason returned to the studio to record his third album, with Brazilian Girls' Didi Gutman and Aaron Johnson, and Chris Brown on organs. Engineer Mike Tocci (of India Arie) joined, as well.
Jason says this album promises to be his "richest, truest work to date." Many excited observers concur.
Catch Jason's singular music...and be enriched by his eagle-eyed, musing lyrics.
