Jason Kenney

To start an artist bio by dropping names of big time artists and those from days gone by may not be in the lesson book. But when you compare said artist to the intellect of Harry Chapin, the lightheartedness of Jim Croce and the intensity of Lyle Lovett you put them in pretty damn good company. No, Jason Kenney does not sound like any of these folks. But he channels like them. He has that kind of insight and is tapped in to the same creative spigot. He’s that good. The music of Jason Kenney IS Americana. The nuts and bolts are acoustic-based, yet electric, folk and rock with a slight country twist. Dig deeper and it comes up completely fresh with a nod to the past. His songs are well-crafted, the musicianship is right where it needs to be and the voice is like a sunny spring morning bursting with energy. It’s music you’ll want to listen to over and over again. Music that needs to be heard. Music that will endure. Back to name dropping. When you consider that Jason frequently works with Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls and A-list Producer John Keane you get a sense for the quality of the final product. And sharing the stage with the likes of Zac Brown, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Shawn Mullins, Jonathan Byrd, Corey Smith and many more on their level doesn’t hurt either. It paints a picture of an up-and-coming young artist ready to pick up the Americana flag and hightail it up the hill. Not his first record by far, but his first solo effort, “Turn This Sorrow Into Joy,” was released in April of 2014. It was produced by John Keane and features Amy Ray throughout, among others. To quote a long-time friend, “There’s not a stinker on it. Every song means something, stands on it’s own and is just as fresh the 478th time you listen to it.” Again, it’s just that good. Listeners have likened it to Mumford and Sons or Avett Brothers because of its personal storytelling and genre-defying instrumentation. The truth is, it deserves comparison with Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie in its call to the downhearted and weary to carry on - together. “The new effort by Jason Kenney will sweep the listener into the movement and remind us all of the power of a song to change the world - or to simply brighten a day. Using simple melodies and complex textures, ‘Turn This Sorrow Into Joy’ demonstrates great respect for the history of American Folk music with ample modern flare. Seeger led a never-ending sing-along and before you even know all the words, you’ll be singing along with Jason.” -- Scott Mecredy, Music On Main Street For giggles we asked Jason to “describe his music” (every artist hates this part). But he summed it up quite well. “I play and write music like a child plays in the sandbox. It's just in my nature. I do it selfishly as a way to process this wild ride. It's an attempt to feel at home and at ease in this giant universe. I share it because it helps people. I'm inspired by the mundane and the extraordinary alike. I see purpose in the movement that music facilitates. Music is magic and it is the bridge. Whether you make it or appreciate it, music is a conduit for real change and meaningful growth.” -- Jason Kenney No one “deserves to be listened to.” They earn it. By striking a chord with an audience. By touching them in a place long forgotten. By changing their world – if only for a fleeting moment. Jason Kenney will turn your sorrow into joy. Visit www.reverbnation.com/jasonkenney or facebook.com/jasonkenneymusic for more info.