The Studio Band
Jason LeVasseur: vocals, guitars
John Pfiffner: guitars
Chris Tuttle: piano
Jerry Chapman: vox
Frank Pyrtle: drums
Steve Graham: bass
Influences
Named 2008 Best Male Performer of The Year by Campus Activities Magazine!
And... 2008 Best Solo Artist by The Association for The Promotion of Campus Activities
Thanks for checking out the music here on Myspace. If it seems that it takes me awhile to respond to messages, it's only because I've been in a car, in an airplane, at a truck stop ... or soundchecking or sleeping or hanging out with everyone after shows. I don't always have an opportunity to get online as much as I would like, but I will always make an effort to get back to you (even though it might take awhile)!
I hope to see all of you guys at the shows this year. Thanks again for listening, and be sure to keep in touch.
Kisses, Jason
P.S. - Please don't forget to give love and support to my friend Ben Byer as he works on completing "Indestructible," his film about ALS.
Jason LeVasseur has lived around the world -- Mexico, Belgium, North Carolina, Massachusetts, New Jersey and now Nashville -- but amid the changes of venue, one thing has remained constant: the award-winning singer/songwriter's folk-tinged, pop/rock roots.
LeVasseur's musical formula includes relatable, story-like lyrics backed by his gritty, soulful voice -- a voice that Indie-Music.com's Jennifer Layton called "drawling, weathered (and) warm." As the Columbia (S.C.) Free Times observed, LeVasseur's music contains "great songwriting and energy uncommon in acoustic-based music."
LeVasseur was born in the United States but spent most of his childhood in Mexico and Belgium, finally returning to the States for college -- but not before studying French, Spanish and Italian for a year in Italy. LeVasseur's world travels have influenced his playing style and his perspective on the world, providing material for the often-funny stories he tells between songs during his engaging live performances. LeVasseur's flair for storytelling is evident on his Authentic Records releases, which include his latest, "Live in Lyndonville" (2006), as well as his earlier releases, "Driver is the DJ" (2005), "The Opening Guy: Live at Eddie's Attic" (2003) and "Watching the Girls Go By" (2001).
"It was just LeVasseur onstage with a guitar, harmonica and a voice that blew the crowd out of the water," wrote Jordan Way in a 2005 concert review in the Stoutonia, the University of Wisconsin-Stout student newspaper. "He was very relaxed as he played his original music, talked with the crowd and cracked jokes."
Campus Activities Magazine, a publication that has bestowed numerous awards on LeVasseur, agreed, praising his dynamic, audience-pleasing performances -- as well as his "smart lyrics mixed with poignant arrangements" -- in a January 2006 article.
LeVasseur is one of a handful of artists who are continually re-booked by colleges nationwide.
Other notable career highlights:
* Has opened for Dave Matthews Band, Maroon 5, John Mayer, The Roots, The Wallflowers, Ben Folds, Rooney and other national acts
* Frequent performer and panelist at National Association for Campus Activities regional and national conferences
* Showcase artist and panelist at Atlantis Music Conference (2003)
* Named Best Male Performer (2008); Best Small Venue Performer (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007); and Best Musical Performer (2004, 2005) by Campus Activities Magazine
* Named Best Solo Artist (2008) and Performing Artist of The Year (2005) by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities
* Has contributed songs to movie and video game soundtracks
What the experts say:
"This is a record with breathtaking vocal parts, gripping lyrical messages, and sharply written instrumental arrangements...The material is pure songwriting magic; poetic lyrics express emotions, love-hate relationships, death, and dance." -- Shawn M. Haney, Performer Magazine NE
"Audience members actually come up to this guy after gigs to share stories and ask for advice, according to another review in his press kit. I can understand why. Jason LeVasseur has a bit of quiet, learned-the-hard-way wisdom in that drawling, weathered, warm voice of his. He writes about easily recognizable situations in language anyone can connect with." -- Jennifer Layton, Indie-Music.com
"During his two-hour set, LeVasseur played catchy songs, their rich melodies accompanied by his, full slightly gravelly voice. In between numbers, he smiled as he related the funny stories behind the songs; which are deeply colored by late-night contemplation about love, hope and finding meaning in life's ups and downs." -- Whitman College Pioneer (Walla Walla, Wa.)
"He is absolutely amazing, and his songs are great." -- Jessica Lawrence, Campus Programming Board President (former), Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware, Ohio)
"I was extremely impressed by your engaging personality and ability to win the crowd over through your thoughtful lyrics and magnetic stage presence. You made the first night of our new program a success. You captured the audience's attention and transformed them into a devoted crowd that watched you, sang along, and pleaded for more. I have seen many acts in my 5 years working in student activities and have never witnessed such a conversion of fans." -- Brooke Vaughan, Student Activities Director (former), Sewanee: The University of The South (Sewanee, Tenn.)
Please visit us at www.musicsrisingstars.com and read about the artists in their own words as you listen to their music. Join us each month and read exclusive interviews with musicians from all genres of music.
Interviews in our June issue:
Jeff Cook (formerly of Alabama) and the Allstar Goodtime Band
Bronson Lee Eli Tellor J. Beale Jason Scot Julia Burton Karissa Majestic Mudd Matt Gary The Peppermint Apes River County Souljourners Suite Caroline And Star Clash Winner: Jason Wilder Evans
Be sure to comment on and vote for your favorites!
Check out archived interviews with Randy Owen, Jake Owen, Three Doors Down, Billy Joe Royal, Brent Mason, Jimmy Fortune, Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix, Bill Anderson, and many more!
Hey there! Just wanted to let you know I just added a new song called "I Didn't Know" to my myspace page and would love your feedback if you get a chance to check it out! Thanks so much! Hope your week is killer! :-)
