I've seen Jason several times and in several places around the country, but not lately as our travel schedules have been mismatched. I kept missing him at Kclingers, near my home in PA. Not this time, I returned from a trip in time to make the show with two more excellent pro harp players - Mike Easton and Dane Paul Russell. Mike and I both brought recording gear but mine was more of a backup since he had a better rig, as you will hear. We all thoroughly enjoyed the show from start to finish. I'm not one that's good at remembering minute details, such as the harp used on a particular song, etc. I was particularly interested in hearing some of Jason's new material since the signing of the new contract and with the new CD coming out soon. Also to hear the new drummer. Kclingers isn't an easy place to play. It's a very small room and the band is crammed up against the fireplace. The place was pretty packed. There was a mix of folks there, many to see the band and a large crowd who were there for the usual hang-out. I talked to some who asked who the band were and said to stay, you'll like this. Anyway, for the review of the music part, all I can say is that Jason continues to get better and better. You know you've made it when people feel the need to attack you (unfortunately Jason knows all too well) or to say about other up and comers "watch out Jason Ricci, here comes xxxx" which is a testimony to your well deserved position at the top of the heap. During the break, there were a swarm of folks around Jason, the usual hangers on some of them wanting him to hear them play or try to get a piece of him somehow or hogging up the time and space from others who wanted to buy CDs and couldn't get through. Wanting to monopolize Jason's time with their stories and things he probably hears night after night. C'mon folks, geez. The guy makes a part of his income with CD sales, so please have consideration. I went up and just said "Hi I'm Bill Hines from harp-l" and he jumped up and gave me a hug and said he was happy to finally meet me and I left it at that to give someone else space (I already have all the cds). If I had any criticism, it was too loud for the room, which has the sound somewhat distorted to me. Again, tough room to play, tough to EQ and set up sound. But I was happy that with Mike's gear, when we listened on the way home to the recording, it sounded much better due to lowering the volume, so the gear did its job. Enjoy this show. For me, the tell-tale moment came toward the end of the show - another marathon Jason night where he leaves nothing on the table, gives every ounce of himself no matter the audience. Some college age kids wandered in from somewhere else, pretty loaded and checking out the band with cautious eyes and expressions toward each other (like - "WTF is this, dude?"). They sat at a table next to us and I watched as they got mesmerized by this "new type of music". They were really digging it and chattering excitedly to each other and bopping. Then Jason launched into his Sun Ra number and the kids went nuts high fiving each other, calling their friends "DUDE - GET DOWN HERE CHECK THIS OUT *NOW*". They actually thought it was a Primus number, haha. But they dug the hell out of it. That to me was a TESTIMONY, Jason. After the show I could tell these guys were totally wrung out so Mike and I headed for the door not wanting to delay them getting on the road. But Jason of course says "No, guys - come back, let's shoot the shit and talk about harps" so we sat there for a good hour. The guy is unbelievable to do that and I really enjoyed and appreciated it. Anyway, the show was excellent, the new material was absolutely beyond expectations and I'm excited to get the CD. I hope Jason gets the break he deserved. The music business is ready for a new genre and sound and I think Jason has a lot to offer and deserves that "big break". If you like what you hear here, please pass the word on Jason to others. Share this link, get them to a live show. Bill Hines Rockin' Hanover Diver4243 2007-09-25 15:27:23 2007-09-25 15:27:23 5 1 5.00