Jason Hawk Harris Readies New Album “Thin Places”
With his debut album Love & The Dark from 2019, Jason Hawk Harris quickly established that he wasn’t your run-of-the-mill country artist. A thoughtful songwriter with a compositional mind due to his education in classical music, he brought a completely unique set of tools and perspectives to the genre that resulted in critical acclaim for his Bloodshot Records release.
But if there has ever been an artist snake bit by circumstances, it’s been Jason Hawk Harris. The pandemic put a crimp in his capability to tour behind his debut album. A tornado struck when he was trying to make his followup. Bloodshot Records went under, leaving him without a musical home. But he found glimmers of hope amid Thin Places, and that became the inspiration for his new album out October 6th.
Out of ashes came rebirth, including Bloodshot Records being relaunched after its sale to Exceleration Music, settling up with Jason Hawk Harris for back owed money, and agreeing to release his new album. Calamity is the inspiration behind the debut song from the album called “Jordan And The Nile” where Jason Hawk’s history with classical music comes into focus. The new song is also accompanied by a moving, cinematic video (see below).
“The chorus of ‘Jordan and the Nile’ came to me in a random burst of writing in about 10 seconds,” Harris says. “The rest of the song took four years, three recording sessions and 12 musicians to complete. During the process, we were interrupted by natural disasters, life-threatening medical emergencies and the first pandemic in 100 years. I don’t know that I’ve ever been more proud of something I’ve written. I hope it’s not too much. I’m just glad to finally have it out there, and I’m excited for the life it takes on.”
A Houston-raised performer known to some as a member of the Los Angeles-based indie folk outfit the Show Ponies, Jason Hawk Harris was exposed to classic country early on by his grandfather. But like so many of us, Harris fell out of favor with country from what he heard playing on the radio at the time. So Harris got into other styles and started studying classical music, and was on the waiting list to pursue a Masters Degree at UCLA in classical composition when he saddled up with the Show Ponies, and then starting writing his own solo material.
Now based in Austin, Jason Hawk Harris hopes to finally find the momentum and attention his music deserves, despite the setbacks that have dogged him almost from the beginning. “Jordan And The Nile” exemplifies how adept Harris is at pulling from various influences including Gospel, country, and classical to create an intriguing soundscape for his songs.
Thin Places is now available for pre-order.
Tracklist:
1. Jordan and the Nile
2. Bring Out the Lillies
3. Shine a Little Light
4. Roll
5. The Abyss
6. I’m Getting By
7. So Damn Good
8. Keep Me
9. White Berets
August 31, 2023 @ 6:13 pm
This is great news. Loved his first album and thought it was one of the surprise standouts of the year when it came out. Have been wondering why there wasn’t a follow-up. Now I know. Thanks Trig
September 1, 2023 @ 6:06 am
Considering there is only one comment here I am assuming I am not the only one who didn’t know much about Jason Hawk Harris. I have to say the the video here for Jordan and the Nile didn’t do much to enlighten me as it seems to slowly meander to the substance of the song. Kind of strange initial release single.
I did hop over to Apple Music to listen to some of his debut, a few full songs, a few samples. Can’t say anything really jumped out at me, though I did like The Smoke And The Stars enough to go back when I have time to give the album another listen.
September 1, 2023 @ 7:21 am
Might just be me but I think you really need to listen to that album from start to finish to get the full appreciation for it.
September 1, 2023 @ 10:30 am
I’ll probably do that. Running around today, but I’m sure I’ll give it a go soon.
September 1, 2023 @ 6:08 am
thanks for the heads up – enjoy Love & The Dark on a pretty regular basis!
September 1, 2023 @ 6:30 am
Jason Hawk Harris became one of my favorite artists purely from his album Love & The Dark.
Following up, the new single does not disappoint! Incredible music with phenomenal arrangements and beautiful lyrics.
I’ve already preordered the vinyl and you should too 😉
September 1, 2023 @ 7:13 am
Ooh what a good song and a compelling video to match.
September 2, 2023 @ 10:19 am
His debut album is one of my very favorites from the last several years. Incredible album. I’ve been eagerly awaiting his follow up and am very excited to hear it’s finally coming.
September 6, 2023 @ 4:17 pm
Great review and an interesting artist.
If I may quote: “[he] fell out of favor with country from what he heard playing on the radio”.
That right there is why SCM is so valuable to me!
September 22, 2023 @ 7:23 pm
Has he announced a release date?