Music
Press
"Almost Jason, more so than many of the other self-tagged “experimental” bands in town, really experiments. What’s best about this band is that it tinkers with its sound live, and the results usually earn an A. (Maybe it’s the band’s chemistry)." - The State Newspaper - Otis Taylor
Almost Jason broadens description with expansive blues-rock, jazz and islandic riffs
By OTIS R. TAYLOR JR.
otaylor@thestate.com
Almost doesn’t count for much most places — except maybe in Columbia, the city Almost Jason has been jamming through for more than three years.
While most bands are content with simplifying chord progressions and melodies just so they can call three minutes of noise a song, Almost Jason expands like after-college waistlines. And no matter what genre the band is wearing, it fits comfortably like a fresh pair of Levis.
Drew Medlin (guitar), Lindsey Bounds (drums), Jim Foreman (guitar) and Mike Mills (bass), formerly of Harmony Grove, comprise the band.
It would be easy to lump Almost Jason into the pile of noodling jam bands (a description the group detests), but you’d be sweeping over the blues-rock, jazz and island riffs that open into jams.
You’d also be overlooking Mills’ heavy-pounding bass and Bounds’ boundless dexterity and energy. (Really, how did he play a show in a chicken costume?)
- The State
"Almost Jason's jam-rock noodlings feature munchie-sized excursions into jazz and reggae, recalling a more lucid Phish and Widespread Panic." - Free Times
Discography
Demo 2005
About That Time 2006
Demo 2007
Photos
Bio
Almost Jason is an experimental rock band interweaving elements of rock, blues, fusion, metal, and jam. Breaking the barriers of traditional jam-bands, this four-piece relies on two guitar harmonies and well orchestrated song forms. The members are just as diverse as the music itself.
Jim Foreman comes from Baltimore, MD, where he has played guitar in numerous blues/rock jam-bands. Having played guitar for years, Jim had a unique sound in mind. Upon moving to South Carolina, Jim was eager to start a band around town.
Drew Medlin is the bands other guitar player. He comes by way of Greenville, SC where he studied guitar at The Governor's School. Drew is deep rooted in jazz composition and music theory. His playing illustrates a melodic mood, reflecting every aspect of his musical background. Drew met Jim while teaching guitar at a local music shop. The two began writing songs and sought out other musicians in hopes of forming a band.
Lindsey Bounds, from Baton Rouge, LA, fills out the drummer spot in Almost Jason. He graduated from Clemson University where in his tenure played with Barney's Jive Band. With his funky rhythms and hard hitting beats, Lindsey was a welcome addition to the band.
After playing with a few local bass players, there occurred a miracle of circumstances. Drew and Jim ran into Mike Mills from Harmony Grove (a local Columbia jam-band). Mike had told them that his band had broken up and was looking to find a new gig. With his seasoned musicianship and soulful feel, Mike didn’t make it hard to sell himself. After jamming for two minutes, everyone decided that the chemistry was undeniable.
Collectively, Almost Jason has played to audiences ranging from small clubs to festivals of a thousand people. While booking gigs throughout the southeast including Georgia and North Carolina, they are regularly playing venues in Columbia, Florence, Spartanburg and Greenville, SC.
In the past year, Almost Jason, has produced and recorded an independent release entitled About That Time which is currently in rotation on WUSC 90.5FM in Columbia, SC.
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