Jason Bennett and a little 000-M Martin six string acoustic guitar. Sometimes he throws in a Hohner Harmonica to add a little spice.
Influences
Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Phil Ochs, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Tom Flannery, Kyle Field and Little Wings, Elliott Smith, Jeff Tweedy, Dave Van Ronk, Kevin Meisel, Rauly Curran, Billy Bragg, The Band, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Hem, Adam Duritz, Bob & Wendy, Joan Baez, Janine Elich, Iris Dement, Roger McGuinn, Tom Rush, Donovan, Paul Simon, John Prine, Julian Lennon, Karl Wallinger, Jason Riggs, Graves, Alvarado Road Show, Dan Dameron, Rich Currier, Maya Lin, Larry McMurtry, Paul Giamatti, Northern Exposure, Gillian Welch, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Olympia, WA, Cambria, CA, Atascadero, CA and Hoodsport, WA. I also like old, cheap guitars that sound like dying freight trains.................................................................................................................... GO GET JASON'S MUSIC AT APPLE I-TUNES.................
Sounds Like
"This is one truly easygoing, congenial and engaging album. With guitarists Rich Currier and Dan Dameron as nearly all the support, it's really lean. Jason Bennett's songs feel gentle despite the turmoil often within them. The one cover is Bob Dylan's "Shooting Star," an excellently chosen complement to the originals. An aura of wisdom and lessons learned permeates the set. From the opener "Too Damn Fast," a pitch for taking an easy pace of life, to the closer, "Daddy's Hand" for his kids, the album quickly becomes a welcome friend. Nice to make your acquaintance, Jason." --SING OUT MAGAZINE, Summer 2008 issue-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Bennett comes across as both world-weary and hopeful, naive and cynical. It's sweetly melancholic, acoustic folk that effortlessly mixes with country - not unlike the early material of the singer's hero, Bob Dylan." - COLORADO SPRINGS INDEPENDENT-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It would be a pleasure to see some of Bennett's materials from "Self Portrait" make it into the hands of a Nashville star. Many popular country tunes have predicatable lyrics and subject matter, but Bennett has been able to craft songs with catchy beats and down-home twang with lyrics that reach beyond a first grade reading level."- COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"On his new album "Acoustic Harbor", Jason Bennett takes one of those quantum leaps that earnest artists have every now and then. With more and more recording studios starting to resemble mission control, Jason goes old school; an inexpensive four-track recorder, a microphone, a guitar and an empty laundry room. The result is ten songs that are incredibly well-crafted and emotionally immediate." - JASON RIGGS, SINGER-SONGWRITER--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Bennett's honest voice is the centerpiece of his songs. It's best when he lets it fly with a Dylanesque what-the-hell attitude. The voice is complemented by fine guitar and harmonica work, haunting cello and lyrics that have something to say. Singer-songwriter fans should enjoy the tales of lost love and lost souls on his debut cd, "The Atascadero Sessions." - THE COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE--------------------------------------------------------------
"A definite country-rock feel permeates this recording with both acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, drums, keyboard, fiddle and dobro. As the title suggests, the recording gives you a glimpse of Jason as a singer/songwriter and his influences, with diverse tracks like the blues-tinged "Bring It On" with its lonely guitar and dobro, or the country-flavored "The Ballad of Jake Spoon" with its quirky intro. The CD itself is a self portrait of sorts with bare-bones recordings as well as full fledged productions, starts and stops and ends with a live "on-air" recording of "Talkin' Rude Blues." Fans of Jason will enjoy this recording, and it should win him others." - THE BLACK ROSE ACOUSTIC SOCIETY-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"As relevant now, it seems, as it was when written in the 60's, is Jason's cover of Bob Dylan's "Let Me Die in my Footsteps." Bennett does a wonderful job in trying to live up to one of his greatest musical influences. His emulation of Dylan's singing style is in no way forced, but is lovingly and successfully attempted. If there were one song I would hope to be pushed for radio time, it would be this one. I admire Bennett for the certain bravery in which he covered this Dylan tune out of the vast options available, all the more because "Let Me Die in my Footsteps" was never released on any Dylan LP. Though Bennett's voice is not as arresting as Dylan's, it is certainly easier to listen to. 'Mindchange' is a solid indie folk album." - RAMBLES.NET- A CULTURAL ARTS MAGAZINE
Jason Bennett is a singer-songwriter who has released five cd's of original LO-FI INDEPENDENT EARTHY ACOUSTIC FOLK MUSIC. His available recordings are as follows:
2001 - The Atascadero Sessions
2004 - Self Portrait
2005 - Acoustic Harbor
2006 - Mindchange.
2008 - Slow It Down, Take a Step Back
Check out the official Jason Bennett music website at www.bennettfolk.com.
Jason grew up in Southern California and was drawn to folk music at an early age. "When I heard Dylan for the first time, it slapped me in the face and woke me up. That is when my brain really turned on. Dylan opened my eyes and I credit him as my main influence not only in music, but in life." Bennett has written songs on everything from boats to relationships to women who have torn out his heart and spit it out on the road. "They know who they are, and they need to remember I am a songwriter and will expose their evil ways." Jason Bennett has slowed down the performance schedule these days and opts for a more quiet life of writing and recording. "I am in a transitional phase in life right now, especially when it comes to my music. I am more interested in finding homes for my songs, be it television or film or other artists to cover them. I have some current publishing deals for a few of my songs, I'll just see what happens and continue to write and hope for the best." These days Jason is enjoying life with his wife Nicole and their new son. Quinn Bennett was born on February 7, 2007 and is just cute as a button.
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Jason's brand new, dark, introspective indie folk record is called "Slow It Down, Take a Step Back" and will be available April 1, 2008. Last year Jason released the very well-received album "Mindchange" which features Jason on vocals, guitar and harmonica. The album also features Colorado Springs musicians Chuck Haas of Simpleman and Rich Currier of the band Bad Dogs. The album is primarily an indie-folk album and features eight songs penned by Bennett. The album also features a a cover version of a very obscure Bob Dylan song called "Let Me Die in my Footsteps", which Jason plays solo on vocals and guitar. Jason also recorded "My Heart's Not Broken Anymore", a song written by fellow folk compadre, Jason Riggs.
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Jason also recently received a Nashville publishing deal for his song "Snap My Fingers" which he co-wrote with longtime friend and co-writer Rauly Curran. The song is currently being shopped in Nashville to find the right energetic country/Americana band to record the song. You can listen to "Snap My Fingers" right here! If you know anyone in need of a hit single, contact Jason for all the info.--------------------------------------------------------
'SLOW IT DOWN, TAKE A STEP BACK' by Jason Bennett
in stores April 1, 2008.
As a friend or more) you'll read the whole thing. What would you do if for every moment you were truly happy there would be 10 moments of sadness? What would you do if your best friend died tomorrow and you never got to tell them how you felt? So, I just wanted to say, even if I never talk to you again in my life, you are special to me and you have made a difference in my life. I look up to you, respect you, and truly cherish you. Send this to all THE PEOPLE U CARE ABOUT , no matter how often you talk, or how close you are, and send it to the person who sent it to you. Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will. Remember, everyone needs a friend. dont ever leave the one you love for the one u like, because the one you like will leave you for the one they love. tonite your true love will realize how much they love you between 1 and 4 in the morning. tomorrow the shock of your life will occur if you break the chain. KEEP UR HEAD UP!
If you wake up in a red room with no windows and doors, DON'T panic.. you're just in my heart!!! Send this to all the friends you want to keep forever...
Today is Bestfriend Day. Send this to all THE PEOPLE U CARE ABOUT and me if I am one.
I'm in comment hell. I just wrote you a comment and it disappeared right before my eyes. So did one I wrote to someone else a moment ago. Will be in CO June 22-30 for sure. Do you know any venues that book on week nights with a good turnout? I may prefer that. Will tell you why in an email.
Thanks! Yes, I look different now, hair anyway. Do you think the pic looks good for promo with a press kit? Not the antique background, but b&w? I'm thinking of using it as a promo pic but am not sure. . . Am recording this spring/summer! Am very excited! Am pretty sure I'm coming out to CO this summer so will let you know details as they unfold.
RETIRING?!? Hogwash, Jason Bennett! Don't you dare! Unless you really hate it, I guess, but if I ever get out there you BETTER sing with me or else! :D
How are things, Jason? It snowed the other day here in Bama, which rarely if ever happens. I know you are not jealous of that. Ha! Well, I know you think I'm leading you on, but I think I will be coming out to Denver this summer. High school reunion in June plus my family is planning on going out there. So maybe we can actually sing together once before we kick the bucket. lol.
Yes, I'm hoping it will be a good year musically. My 2009 wish would be to actually make it out to Colorado soil again. . . not just dream about it! Ha. For cards like that and stuff google glitter graphics/christmas and a bunch of sites will come up. You choose the graphic you like and copy the code, then paste it for whoever you want to send it to. Fun. Have a Happy New Year!
Hey there- thanks so much for stopping by and checking out my stuff. Always nice to meet a fellow musician and composer here on myspace :) I am always hoping to get to Colorado one of these days. My boyfriend's sister lives there and we have an open invitation. I heard its just beautiful!
Were you at the TAXI rally this year? I am assuming you are a TAXI member, yes?
If you'd like to stay in touch, please provide me with your email at anjinfo@yahoo.com or here in a myspace message and I'll add you to my montly newsletter where you can be first to get new songs, free stuff and updates on how things are going with TAXI!
Live well and be happy. We have so much to be grateful for this blessed season! :)
Hey, Jason. You should keep singing too. I have your songs on my ipod and really enjoy them. I can't wait for the next album. Have a great Thanksgiving also!
whassup Jason? Just got back from a Southeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference in Murfreesboro, TN. Met some cool folkies and got some good info. Have you been to one before out there? Click on the Folk Alliance on my top friends and there's one for your region, too.
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