Artist description Heavy singer/songwriter pop reminiscent of bands like Big Star, The Faces and Matthew Sweet. The music is melodic yet soulful, with a lyrical grace that is often lost "modern" rock.

Music Style Heavy Pop / Folk Rock

Musical Influences Big Star, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Grateful Dead, Television, Nick Drake

Similar Artists Big Star, Elliott Smith, Freedy Johnston, Faces, John Lennon

Artist History "They don't make 'em like that anymore…"With rampant industry consolidation and violent fiascoes like 1999's 'Woodstock,' it's easy to be cynical about the state of rock and roll at the turn of the century. The distance between new artists and the public seems impossibly vast. It takes inspiration, chops, and confidence to navigate the turbulent waters of the rock world while retaining some sense of grace and soul. Enter Jason Sack.Jason Sack has been gigging around his hometown of Minneapolis steadily since the late eighties, most notably with his band the never-quite-was Beyond Zebra, who rocked the Twin Cities largely unnoticed for years. Local music magnates John Kass and Ed Ackerson helped out by releasing a 7" on their launch-pad label Susstones. Eventually Soul Asylum's engineer Eric Pierson brought them to his studio to record a full-length demo. Pierson passed it to Twin/Tone Records who immediately signed the band, releasing the demo as-is under the title Gone Today, Here Tomorrow in 1991. The Austin Chronicle, The Minnesota Daily, and CMJ soon fell in line to rave about the band and, in particular, Sack's songwriting. They toured relentlessly, playing festivals such as SxSW in Austin and CMJ in New York. They could be seen at Emo's, The Metro, the 930 Club and The Bottleneck. At Mabel's in Champaign, Illinois Sack nearly ended his career prematurely by falling from the 4-foot stage after tripping over a power cord. At CBGB they played at 1 a.m. to a bartender and a gaggle of roaches, while outside the club some professionals permanently removed the entire contents of their van. They returned to the studio hoping to record the album that would put them on the map for good.1993's Mad Mad Mother showcased Sack's sharpened songwriting skills and the band's road-tested muscle. More touring followed, and performances with kindred souls The Jayhawks and The Meat Puppets showcased the songs to larger audiences. A tragedy was narrowly averted in Iowa where two cellular phone salesmen wearing cheap cologne rescued them from their broken-down van. They plucked the bedraggled musicians out of the blizzard and deposited them in the middle of the woods at the end of a winding dirt road. Inside the door of the nondescript gray building, Sack and the band endured hours of live adult entertainment waiting for the tow truck to arrive at the 'Doll House'.Meanwhile, the band's publicity and record sales suffered as they were lost between the cracks during the Restless Records acquisition of Twin/Tone, and despite Sack's continued optimism and hard work Beyond Zebra splintered in 1995. Second guitarist Grant Johnson continued playing, releasing an album of blues and country tunes titled A Lonesome Road in 1997. Although his former bandmates were gone, it was the strength of the songs that made Beyond Zebra a great rock band. Re-enter Jason Sack.The self-produced Silver City illustrates how far he's come since his last project. Brien Lilja (Slim Dunlap, Rank Strangers, Draghounds) now supplies the rich, driving drums and Eric Heywood (Son Volt, Freakwater, Joe Henry) adds a beautiful weeping pedal steel. Sack plays the remainder of the instruments himself, laying down sharp harmonies and well placed riffs to complement the distilled, open voice that leads the songs. He emphasizes gorgeous melodies like those in the Faces-style romp Cold Heart where most bands would pummel them. His lyrics have also become more direct, more personal, and more expressive; the sharp, economical wit of Down on River Road would bring a smile to Tom Petty's face, to be sure.Sack still wears his musical influences on his sleeve, while running them through a filter unmistakably his own. The "All Things Must Pass" hook of No Trace, the "Desire" era Dylan stroll of Child of the Night, and the Big Star stomp of Julian all betray a great record collection and an even better ear for melody. And if Kinda Love isn't a hit, well, then, it's only because it came out 30 years too late, damn it.As for the sentiment "they don't make 'em like that anymore," some of us believe Jason Sack is an exception to the rule. We hope you will too.- Nathan Ciske, January 2000

Group Members Jason Sack - Guitars, Bass, Vocals, KeyboardsBrien Lilja - DrumsEric Heywood - Pedal Steel Guitar (lineup from upcoming album & respective MP3's)

Albums Silver City (released 2000)

Press Reviews Press on 'Silver City'Jason Sack [has] a certain air of innocence and sensitivity that's endearing and a little sad... Sack definitely has a pop sensibility on Silver City, but is able to go much farther than the run of the mill radio ditty. Sack crafts his songs from a genuine perspective and is honest with the listener throughout the record. It's a deal that's made early in the game, and Sack keeps his promise. Sack also proves to be a multi-talented musician (he plays the guitar, bass and keyboards) and a capable producer on this debut solo album.Sack is at his best when he combines his tender vocals with his fantastic guitar solos on the striking, bitter "Cold Heart." There are some great upbeat pop songs on this album like the bouncy "Standin' in Line," apologetic "Kinda Love," and nostalgic "Julian" that are enhanced by Sack's clean delivery and offbeat lyrics… Jason Sack's Silver City is an enthusiastic effort by an immensely talented "heart-acher." The Pulse 4/2000I'm giving this CD my usual 2 minute, "pass or eat ass" and so far it's passing in spades… the music is treating me way alright. It's not outwardly country in a way that's dead set on appealing to the No Depression and just-discovered-Palace crowds, it's just got that great 70's pop-hit style that never goes old - think Bruce Springsteen, Big Star… Shredding Paper 4/2000Jason Sack writes Americana pop songs soaked in melodic sunshine. His infectious music is chock full of West Coast soul (even though he's from Minnesota). Sack's saccharine sweet singing soars over his rootsy backline when he's laying down two-part vocal harmonies… Perfect songs to throw on a mix tape for a sunburned surfer girl. Listen.lycos.com 3/2000A Minneapolis native, Jason Sack, has been playing music for more than 10 years & in that time has obviously honed his songwriting skills significantly, as evidenced by the music found on this excellent album… Jason has come up with some beautiful music that more than deserves your attention. hEARd (Australia) 4/2000Comments on previous recordings"This is the first Twin/Tone release to get my attention since Ween's debut… a level of songwriting that raises it above the pack." Jersey Beat"Beyond Zebra rely on emotion and feel to pull off an absolutely ace record…" Austin Chronicle"Sack is one of the best rock singers in town." Minnesota Daily"...one of the more finessed of the "American music" breed, sounding like a less ironic Prisonshake or a more brawlin' Jayhawks, not bad company at all for a debut." CMJ Jackpot

Location Minneapolis, MN - USA

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