Matt Ben Jackson
Kaysville, Utah, United States
Music
Press
There’s always something refreshing about rock in its purest form. Beyond the pressure to become popular by conforming like mainstream sellouts of the past, these guys are taking the rocky road. On first listen “Save Me” is hypnotizing. I found myself entranced by the melodic tones and whining lead guitar. The vocals are soft, almost standing in as just another instrument. Pink Floyd would be proud.
“Sheriff” is a bit more substantial, telling the tale of a western law enforcer. The story is actually quite brilliant and the way its told is just as good. The song is well composed and the instrumentals tell a story of their own. Using jam breaks to enforce the action, this song might just be my new favorite. Reminiscent of Dispatch’s “The General”, the song keeps up this high quality of storytelling through song. - UnSpunHero
Disclaimer: Matt Ben Jackson actually won the hotly contested rock category, but due to the plethora of great bands who amassed large quantities of votes we decided to break out the categories and add a couple more winners.
For some reason the term “country” has a polarizing effect. People either love it or hate it. Matt Ben Jackson is a band who show that a band can have classic country elements and still retain a broad appeal. Most of what is on modern country radio stations is nothing more than bad acoustic pop with a hint of pedal steel guitar here and there. Unfortunately, modern country has turned a lot of people away from what can be a very interesting genre. They are deserving winners - Postfontaine
Discography
'Matt Ben Jackson' - Self Titled - Released 2008
Photos
Bio
Drawing their name from the lines of an epic Louis L'Amour western novel, Matt Ben Jackson strives for a sound that is nothing short of legendary. Dynamic and versatile, incorporating a wide variety of instrumentation, they easily transition from soft-spirited campfire tunes to rip-roaring rock 'n' roll jams.
Matt Ben Jackson has something for everyone.
Matt Ben Jackson was founded in 2007 by Casey Romney and Gardner Stevenett. In 2008, they released their first album, their self titled “Matt Ben Jackson.” They were soon joined by Austin Frodsham in late 2008, which was when they started to develop their current sound. After Gardner relocated in 2009, Casey and Austin sought out Stratton McCausland and Dan Pectol, rounding out their current 4-piece lineup.
With influences like Neil Young and Wilco, Casey has always found art in pure songwriting. He feels strongly that there is no substitute for well written songs, and that production, instrumentation, and presentation are all just icing on the cake; without solid, well-made songs in their simplest form, you have no foundation.
Austin has been playing music of one sort or another for his whole life. At age 4, he took up the fiddle, and age 7 he began learning the mandolin, though it wasn’t until he was asked to join Matt Ben Jackson in 2008 that he began to learn the bass. Austin played mostly bluegrass and western music through his childhood and into adolescence, but now cites his biggest influence as 60’s rock and roll, specifically The Beatles.
Links
