Jared Johnson and the Jackpines' debut is made of songs that chart out the corners of El Paso motel rooms, warm summers and the mind of a last-chance rock-n-roller; songs about jumping the rails and getting back on; little sparks that stir the dust of an old window sill or a still older country road, make it take shape and dance. Johnson-in his first outing as a solo artist-has crafted a set that pays loving and even-handed tribute to the work of George Harrison, Badfinger and Mick Taylor-era Rolling Stones. This is, at it's foundation, western rock 'n' roll but the bright hooks and harmonies of the coast are never too far away. If you've been out wandering in the weeds, or digging the very holes you end up tripping at, Johnson's songs will make a whole lot of sense; if not, listen close-he tells a pretty good story. Jared's fellow Jackpines include Dan Worthington, Marcia Worthington, John Houston & Ted Jensen. Dirt Shores, Oxford, MS Jared Johnson grew up in Southern Utah and has played guitar and drums professionally for ten years; playing guitar for St. George ska ensemble The Goo Blurs and alternative rock favorites Sundive, featuring Debi Graham. After moving to Salt Lake City he joined forces with Alt. Country masters the Trigger Locks, this time on drums, and most recently completed a stint as drummer for national act and critically acclaimed Cub Country. He produced his new record, Derailing Spiritual Death, with Marcus Bently; the two of them doing a sizable chunk of the work, with help from several talented musicians. The sound created is reminiscent of a time long gone, but not forgotten; borrowing elements from the roots of rock, country, and the blues. His new band, The Jackpines, picks up right where the record leaves off. Johnson has shared the stage with numerous great artists including: Cross Canadian Ragweed, The Mother Hips, Richmond Fontaine, Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons, Reel Big Fish, Robert Earl Keen, Lucero, Young Dubliners, Berlin, The Aquabats, Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, and Convoy, among others.
