The Jake Ash Band
Boston, MA | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF
Music
Press
With piercing melodic harmonies wrapped up in pensive apathy this track is the perfect cocktail of empyreal sadness and sonorous sounds held up by the talent that The Jake Ash Band exudes. Their latest track Bad Karma from their latest album Quick Jab is a sweet sad rendition of deep Country Blues, steeped in the same kind of sadness that you’d expect from a Charles Bukowski poem.
As a complete nihilist, I couldn’t help but love the track that comes with the tagline ‘what happens when alcohol is your only friend’. We’ve all been there, now we’ve got a sweet soundtrack to our apathy. Thanks to the violin against the salt & pepper Country instruments the harmony which resonates within you in parts is just overwhelming. The lyrics are something else entirely, the raw, evocative narration of disdain completes the pure sound of the Boston based outfit who have a beautiful way of putting a sharp Rock edge to add yet another dynamic to their radio-ready sound.
Check out The Jake Ash Band’s track Bad Karma on SoundCloud using the link below:
https://soundcloud.com/the-jake-ash-band/bad-karma
Follow The Jake Ash band on Facebook
Review by Amelia Vandergast - A&R Factory
Bio
With a song catalog of over 150 covers + 21 originals (and counting!), The Jake Ash Band is making a name for themselves across the New England country music scene!
The Jake Ash Band was originally formed in 2013 by four Brockton, MA firefighters who wanted to play some country music on their days off. This quickly turned into a more serious endeavor and just like that, a band was formed! Needing a name for the band, the guys decided on Jake Ash. The name is a play on words combining "Jake", which is a common nickname for firefighters, and "Ash", which together with Jake, pays homage to country legend Johnny Cash, or as it is, J. Cash, who was a huge musical influence on a couple of the guys in the band while growing up!
It wasn't long before they realized they needed a polished lead singer - and they knew just the guy! Who could fit in with a bunch of firefighters better than a guy who drives a beer truck on his day job?!? Ken Snow has been part of the Massachusetts music scene for 20 years and has built a huge and loyal following. He instantly said yes after being approached with the idea of fronting a country band. Country music was really beginning to explode in the northeast back in 2013, and as a lifelong fan of the genre he was more than excited to give it a go!
Due to time constraints and a hectic gig schedule, only 1 of the original firefighters is still with JAB - bassist/songwriter and founding member, Paul Gardner. In May 2016, following the departure of their lead guitarist, JAB asked guitarist Paul Talkowski of Hanover to audition and play a gig or two. After learning 40 songs in just over 1 week, Paul played his first show with JAB and the results were amazing! The band immediately extended him an offer to join after only one show, abandoning the idea of auditioning anyone else! Paul has been playing guitar for over 25 years and his style and personality meshed perfectly with what JAB has established.
JAB's newest member is Jenna Davies, a fiddle playing schoolteacher from Chicago, IL. Jenna brought a new dynamic to JAB as co-lead singer and expert fiddle player! The addition of Jenna has been incredible. The fans love her and what she brings to JAB. Her jazzy harmonies, coupled with Ken's voice have been a huge hit and leaves everyone wanting more!
Drummer Dennis Cadorette has played and recorded with many of greater Boston's finest musicians and brings over 25 years of professional experience to JAB!
Keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist Mark Silvia is a Berklee grad and also full time EMT in Brockton, MA! His backing vocals and knowledge of music have brought the band to a new level...not to mention the fact that he can play over 20 instruments!
In December 2017, JAB released their debut EP, "Quick JAB". Recorded at Stillpoint Sound with well known New England producer Brad McCarthy, they put out 5 songs including their first single "The Tailgate Song" and their most popular song to date, "25 Again". With songs being written each week by all of the members of JAB during our "Sunday Songwriting Sessions", JAB currently has over 20 original country songs and counting, some of which have been featured regularly on 101.7 The Bull's Backyard Country and Country 102.5 in Boston, Cape Country 104 and numerous internet radio stations and podcasts!
2018 brought the band their biggest success to date! First, they were selected as one of the 7 finalists for "Last Band Standing" which is produced by The New England Music Awards. Over 30 bands were invited to compete in one of 5 preliminary rounds, with the finals being held at The Hard Rock Cafe in Boston! JAB was also nominated for a NEMA award as best country act and two Josie Music Awards, one for best country band and one for best original country song, "Bad Karma"!
2019 promises to be an even bigger year! JAB is planning on releasing one new song per month starting in March, leading up to the release of their first full length album in August!
What started out as a fun hobby has turned into a lifestyle. With new fans gained at each gig and the word of mouth spreading like wildfire, JAB plays throughout New England at various music venues as well as bars, music festivals, and private functions!
Band Members
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