June 2009

Some songwriters craft lyrics about themselves and their own experiences. Some compose tales of other people, real and imagined. Other artists, like Jason Paul Johnston, intricately balance these two options and even cause you to place yourself in the story. On his debut album, ‘Willows Motel’, Jason Paul Johnston has delicately created refrains that capture his own journey as well as engaging and moving tales of familiar folks we have all known.

Much like the Kings Of Leon (and with the same amount of hair), Jason is the son of a preacher man. Bringing less rock and more country than the Kings, Jason knows his roots well and there are glimpses woven within the many stories on ‘Willows Motel’. His father hails from the Great White North while his mother is a music teacher originally from Tennessee, giving his muse northern and southern winds. Produced by Bruce Anthony, a musical veteran who has worked with Canadian legends such as Bruce Cockburn and Gordon Lightfoot, Jason finds his kindred musical spirits with Neil Young and the Avett Brothers, though less frenetic. Jason blends the styles, sounds and soul of his autobiography and those he has met as he writes his own account of life’s darker challenges – but still maintains hope that everything is not lost.

Incorporating a wide range of instrumentation (including banjo, mandolin, accordion, lap dulcimer and musical saw), ‘Willows Motel’ introduces you to that lonely bar-room soldier but also shines a light on experiences that resonate with your humanity. Existing outside of the spotlight with all the fears and dreams we share, you find comfort in their sadness and worry because you know the same aches and longings. When you reach the fork in the road, Jason will encourage you to continue farther along with unwavering expectation. Jason tells his tales over the aural scenery blending country, bluegrass, gospel and just enough rock to keep you returning repeatedly to visit these distant highways and a stranger’s hardships, much like Bruce Springsteen and Steve Earle have made a career of doing. Allowing his roots to feed his heart, he displays his pursuit of love and hope through his hands and voice. Extend your hand and give an ear and you’ll find a loyal friend in Jason Paul Johnston.