Don Thomason, vocals/acoustic guitar --
with band Bad Grades:
Andrea Guess, vocals/bass;
Donny Hyatt, lead guitar
Influences
So many that I'm aware of and that lurk beneath my subconscious. As a country music practitioner, I identify most closely with the influences of Merle Haggard, Don Williams, George Jones, George Strait, Emmylou Harris, Guy Clark, John Prine, John Cowan, and Hank Williams. And more often than not, if I get stuck on writing a song, I ask myself what would Alan Jackson do.
Sounds Like
... someone who has more than a passing acquaintence with mainstream country's traditions in both sound and subjects ... a defined, resonant voice for folks who view life from humble beginnings and simple pleasures no matter where life has taken them. Sometimes deep as a Mary Chapin Carpenter, sometimes raw as a George Jones, but always connecting.
Raised on music but steeped in traditional country, Kentucky native Don Thomason combines a bold and expressive voice, exceptional versatility, and a basic joy of playing music. Blend a love for country icons like Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Buck Owens; genre-breakers like Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson; and the wry geniuses John Prine, Roger Miller, and Guy Clark, and you get a singer and writer that does country with a little edge and a bit of a smile to it.
Don and his acoustic guitar have played a lot of festivals, coffeehouses, and bars. Past appearances of note include Topeka Railroad Days, the International Bar-B-Q Festival in Owensboro KY, the Festival of the Little Hills in St. Charles MO, Thunderfest 2005 in Bowling Green KY in front of 21,000 people, and national television with the TNN program Be A Star. He has opened for Janie Fricke, Highway 101, and Lionel Cartwright. Don regularly performs in Nashville, where he continues to hone his songwriting and develop respect among his peers.
/> Here's an interview on SAM 100 FM in Bowling Green of my May 12, 2008 appearance on the Tony Rose Show!
Merry Christmas, friends! I played "Ill Have Somebody Else"(-bonus track)on the newly GRAMMY nominated cd, Willie and the Wheel (Willie Nelson and AATW)!!!!!BRAND NEW SONGS UP TODAY! and the band just got on reverbnation..check it out..www.reverbnation.com/therubyjaneshow
“Thanks for the add! I’m glad you enjoyed my music! You can find more songs on iTunes and Amazon. Check back soon for updates, I have big news coming soon, Merry Christmas and A blessed 2010!
Ha ha! Don...I got a feeling getting my life in order is gonna take a long, long, lonnnnnnnnnnnnng time!! LOL..but as soon as I do..sure I'll help ya out. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year! Mary Hartman
My new record just came out this week on I-Tunes and CD Baby. I have included a video talking about the record, hope you enjoy it! Please leave us some feedback to let us know what you think! Thanks for your support.
-Ray Stephenson
PS: This album would make a great stocking stuffer ;)
MUSIC THAT MATTERS KY, VA and WV Compilation Album ALMOST COMPLETE. What an honor for us to work with the great INDY POWER while serving a cause. Its been great to see artists and fan bases unite to energize the music scene over-all while making a differance and the Music Matter!!!! 24 artists and counting as we near our mastering date on July 25th. THANK YOU
