Jason Downing & Musketeer Gripweed

If you haven't heard of Jason Downing, smack yourself a bit, and open your ears WIDE! I was hit right when I walked into the Aggie Theatre with a wall of sound, coming from one man. With Silver Dobro in hand, Jason Downing proceeded to rage, rumble, and roll through a set of deep blues and acoustic soul...calling out "poorman, stuck in the middle, should have known better", Downing played the gritty tune, and by its end had jumped out of his seat, left his guitar behind, and proceeded to lead the entire crowd in a call and response gospel number (Great Change) with hands clappin', and the entire Aggie singing. This scene was the energy high point of the entire evening, and left me wanting more, much more. Jason's strong voice and wild energy was a great surprise, in a time where vocal prowess in bands seems to be an afterthought to technical wizardry. The quality of his original material stands out amongst the songwriters on the front range, and I was able to listen in more detail later in the evening, after I received one of the dozens of free CDs that were passed out by Jason as part of what he calls "Platinum for Pocketchange" drive to pass out 1 million CDs for free or pocketchange. Visit www.jasondowning.com (Jason's fantastic band project, Musketeer Gripweed) and get on board the Soul train, get your Free music, and boogie till you drop. Next show for Jason Downing: Mary's Lake Lodge, Estes Park. Jason's Band: Musketeer Gripweed @ The Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Fort Collins. - Rocky Mountain Bullhorn Sept. 2004

It seems as if Jason Downing has uncovered what Colorado is missing, soul. I was lucky enough to catch Jason @ a performance at Denver's Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, during a brief, but JAMMIN', opening slot for North Mississippi Allstars. His acoustic set made me boogie and LISTEN, with wailing harmonica that is rare to hear in bands today (particularly on a scene that is more Jam Band oriented). Between the old distorted harmonica microphone, Jason's heartfelt singing, and the dirty sounding slide guitar, I was thrown into the crowded audience and found myself singing "The Reefer Song" at the top of my lungs (a song which I found myself humming again in the shower the next morning). The set concluded with Jason chanting "Peace Will Win!", and passing out over a hundred free CDs to random audience members. Super Soul, Free Tunes, and this performer has me believing in the power of the blues. R. Grossman - Mountain Vibe Magazine December 04'

Press and Praise
Jason Downing & Musketeer Gripweed
“...and at times the band’s jams dig deeper than most, while returning with several songs in a row that are shorter in length-focusing on powerful lyrics and songwriting, and therefore making the show accessible for all listeners!” –N. Meyer, KGNU Radio Boulder

"You put on one HELL of a performance ... rippin' band ... smokin' jams ... had a great time ... "
Chris K. Promotions, Booking, Professional Musican


”Jason Downing & Musketeer Gripweed’s first CD “Peace Will Win!” really showcases the talent of this decidedly different Colorado band. From vocal jams to slide blues, folk, and something in between Bob Dylan and The Band and the Allman Brothers, JD&MG manages to carve out a sound that has drawn attention from Denver to Summit County in Colorado, as well as many states nationally. I first saw Jason Downing & Musketeer Gripweed play at the Colorado Sustainable Living fair, and was impressed by their energy and vibe. Catch them soon at Cervantes in Denver or the Mishawaka Amphitheatre on, my favorite Colorado Venue, before they are on the road for good.” --Cathy Connaley Fort Collins Pulse


“…Jason's strong, raspy voice poetic vocals, and wild energy was a great surprise, in a time where vocal prowess in bands seems to be an afterthought to technical wizardry. The quality of his original material stands out amongst the songwriters on the front range, and the band Musketeer Gripweed, boasts some of Colorado’s best musicians!” --Scene Magazine, March 2006


“…harmonica and serious soul made JD&MG my favorite of the festival!” E. Menzel, NADY Chicago, IL


For Jason Downing & Musketeer Gripweed
booking, info, music, and Mo’, contact:
Phunkstylee Productions
970-443-9504/allan@phunkstylee.com/www.phunkstylee.com
- Fort Collins Pulse

Blues is Blood has been a favorite on the Fort Collins scene for the past three years, but recently I was able to catch a solo (spelled “so low” on his poster) performance by Singer/Harmonica player-from B.I.B.-Jason Downing with new band Musketeer Gripweed at Avogadro’s Number in Old Town. It was a refreshing change from the low energy workout of many players I have seen in recent months, as Jason split open his set with several hard driving original slide guitar songs, followed by an acapella version of “50 Ways to leave your lover”. The intense energy was enough to carry a strong vibe through to the crowd of about 100 in attendance, and it was the first time I had the pleasure of seeing Downing on his with the new the band. I must admit, I was struck by how tight everyone of the musicians were, and I recognized them all, as they are staples of the Colorado music scene. Heartfelt blues like this is what the Front Range needs more of, and it was accompanied by Jason’s unique way of spreading his music to those with or without money. There was a pile of Free CDs that are part of his “Platinum for Pocket change” way of reaching folks, all of which were snagged up by audience members during the show. Here’s to hoping that we will be seeing a lot more of Downing and his musical passion in the near future. Check out www.jasondowning.com for free music and upcoming shows for both Jason Downing and Musketeer gripweed - Frontrange Musiczine