PLACE OF BIRTH: Modesto, California USA

DATE OF BIRTH: 26/3/69

PERSONAL MOTTO: There is much in little.

STYLE OF MUSIC (IN FIVE WORDS): Pretty hillbilly, Chopin-like rock.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF (IN FIVE WORDS): Ugly hillbilly lives under rock.

 

The start of this year came with the sad news that Grandaddy had gone their separate ways. After countless captivating moments on record and live – barbecues, bicycles, skateboards and, most importantly, a house full of recording equipment, have been put into storage and Jason has called a day on this glorious band. Their final album is a gift to a fanbase that has loved them every step of the way and a warm welcome for all those latecomers who have just stepped into Grandaddy’s world of musical enchantment. Written as a final goodbye to the Central Valley and most specifically the hometown of Modesto that formed and influenced Jason’s writings. It is a chapter closing and a remarkable tour de force from the band of talented musicians formerly known as Grandaddy. The story behind the title – ‘Just Like the Fambly Cat’: “Cats are renowned for just disappearing when they’re ailing. And then they are just gone. There’s something very noble and romantic about that.”

Questions answered by Jason

 

Try not to drink three bottles of wine and listen to people creating conversational static. Make sure I’m no closer than 20 feet to take-out pizza and hopefully visit with some old acquaintances wherever I’m at.

Getting into the trouble I’ve gotten into and still being alive and somewhat normal and approachable. Most of all, in terms of the band history, it’s nice to look back on a back catalogue of albums and various other releases and be able to be proud of everything that exists.

Beethoven, Jeff Lynne (ELO) and Howe Gelb.

I’m promoting the new album which is an old project. I’m in the process of moving (homes) and I’m relocating to America’s version of the Swiss Alps which is Montana. So I will be looking forward to see how my new environment will affect the music that I will be undoubtedly working on

I have no plans for the future, except to keep waking up, drinking coffee, crossing off items from my to-do lists, waiting for inspiration and acting upon it and hopefully, occasionally, integrating a female into all of that.

I think Juliana Hatfield has a sweet voice. I also have friends who make art and I think it would be great to make soundtracks for their art shows.

I like the new Doves record and I like a guy from San Francisco named Kelley Stoltz. And I like anyone who seems true and appears to be making something exciting. I’m curious about the Arctic Monkeys - though I haven’t heard them yet.

If I had a dinner party I would invite people who could cook. Unless my guests were craving canned chicken, soda crackers and Heinz ketchup. I’m not a very good entertainer. I always forget to introduce people and my houses never have couches because there is always recording equipment strewn about inside.

Don’t ever think things will let up and you won’t have to fight for your beliefs any longer. If anything, things get more difficult and more people want to screw with your vision.

Walking in the outdoors feeling good about nothing in particular and receiving a phone call from someone you love.

People who abuse their power.

Some Rachmaninov Best of CD and the new Belle and Sebastian album.

‘I’m Not in Love’ by 10 CC. A song like that would have zero chance of making it onto commercial radio these days.

Bicycle mechanic, forest ranger, sunglasses designer, dishwasher or Clint Eastwood

GRANDADDY’S FINAL ALBUM ‘JUST LIKE THE FAMBLY CAT’ IS AVAILABLE NOW.