The Jason Daniels Band pulls from another realm with their own inimitable blend of American Roots Music,
seamlessly blurring the lines between psychedelic rock, funk, latin & blues.
PRESS
“Music that makes you want to experience life to its fullest.”
- The Vail Daily
“Jason Daniels has channeled it all into music totally his own– a blend of rock/soul/blues/jazz/country with a classic Muscle Shoals vibe as its backbone.”
– Jambands.com
“Daniels has a huge and unique songwriter talent. He creates a world untouched over lost loves, travel and the beautiful American landscape.”
– Rootstime
Downloads from the Universe
“...an invigorating combination of soul, country, blues, jazz, gospel, and funk that stands as one of the most exciting and distinctive blends of multiple genres found anywhere this year.”
- Americana Highways
“These recordings sound loose, spontaneous, and reminiscent of 1970s LPs from acts like the Grateful Dead (the Keith and Donna Godchaux era) and Delaney and Bonnie.”
- Jeff Burger, The Morton Report
A breath of fresh air in a time with so much turmoil, Downloads From The Universe is nothing if not a good time, and one that embraces jazz, Latin and rock ideas that flow with a loose feel that often sounds like it emanates from the ‘70s but sure sounds great in 2020.
- TakeEffectReviews.com
Rootstime Belgium
THE JASON DANIELS BAND – DOWNLOADS FROM THE UNIVERSE (translated from Dutch)
“ His songs are honest, heartfelt reflections of life,
and all the ups and downs that go along with living it to the fullest… “
Guitarist, singer-songwriter Jason Daniels is from Jackson, the capital of the state of Mississippi, spent years in Nashville and during his childhood in California. Daniels has music in his blood. It runs in his family and runs through his veins. Jason was inspired by his two uncles, George (he was married to Tammy Wynette) and Paul Richey, who were known as musicians, songwriters and who started at Sun Records in Memphis. As an adult, Daniels spent many years traveling and creating adventures that inspired his first record. Ultimately, Daniels settled in Nashville, TN, where he lived for 7 years and wrote and recorded his debut album.
His songwriting is based on years of travel and adventures that took him everywhere and landed him in jail. His songs are an honest, heartfelt reflection of life, with all the ups and downs that come with it.
Jason Daniels made his solo debut in 2013 with "Dashboard Visions & Rearview Reflections". The album was recorded in East Nashville, TN, at The Bomb Shelter, the studio made famous by the Alabama Shakes' debut album. "Dashboard Visions & Rearview Reflections" was recorded with an incredible collection of vintage analog devices, making everything sound very "basic". It was recorded with keyboardist Peter Keys (Lynyrd Skynyrd), bassist Jay Kott (son Seals, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Trey Anastasio, Randy Houser) and drummer Jeff “Shakey” Fowlkess (Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise, Uncle Kracker, Kid Rock) .
It wasn't until years later that he recorded his second studio album "Downloads from the Universe," which he recorded with The Jason Daniels Band and which was released in July this year. An ethereal mix of rock, funk, blues and world influences define the ten songs that Daniels recorded and represent the next step in his evolution as a songwriter.
"Downloads From The Universe" is nothing if not a good time, and one that embraces jazz, Latin and rock ideas that flow with a loose feel that often sounds like it emanates from the "70s but sure sounds great in 2020 ..."
In the press (Take Effect Reviews), 'Downloads from the Universe' has been aptly described as: 'nothing but a good time, one that embraces jazz, Latin and rock ideas, that flow spontaneously and often sound like they were from the years' 70 will come, but will certainly also sound great in 2020… ”. Daniels wrote positive, uplifting and optimistic songs for the album in response to the dark times we find ourselves in today.
This optimism is already evident in the titles of his songs: “I'm Not Going Down”, “Music Is a Prayer”, “Breathe”, “Get Down with Now” and “Prayer to the World”. Here, “I'm Not Going Down” is his personal anthem that he sings as “Never Give Up and Keep Fighting!” Daniels wrote “It All Can Slip Away” when he was at a high school reunion in California. He then took his son to visit his grandparents. While he was attending the reunion, the infamous great fires broke out in Napa Valley. His parents narrowly escaped the first fires. The experience shook him up and made him think about how vulnerable he was. life is. The hilly landscape in "I've Been Ramblin" was inspired by Jackson, which he fell in love with and is now a place he likes to come home to. "39202" could be a Santana song because of his Latino rhythms. and “Dead and Gone” is a smooth jam, which sounds very familiar -sometimes as JJ Cale-. The album ends with “Prayer to the World”. “Things need to change and we need to come together to make the world a better place. place, "said Daniels. When he got the song wrote, he heard a large gospel choir sing. The choirs and the collective feeling that goes with this should not be missing here either.
There are also positivists in the world of music. One of them is definitely Jason Daniels. On his new album "Downloads from the Universe" he airs this and reflects the listener a range of influences, with his preference for good taste guiding everything in the right direction. "Downloads from the Universe" by The Jason Daniels Band was worth the wait all these years!
Eric Schuurmans
Three Chords and the Truth
Album Release: Jason Daniels Band - Downloads from the Universe
The cover of this album hints at some groovy content and it barely takes one track for a funky beat to hit your ears and get the feet tapping and hips swinging. Jason Daniels has gravitated from his California home to settle in the Deep South and felt the pull of a southern soulful sound to imprint an impulsive feel into his curiously titled second album DOWNLOADS FROM THE UNIVERSE. Across ten tracks and armed with a settled and loyal band of players embedded into the music enough to warrant a place in the headline act, Daniels aims high to combine rock, soul and blues into a package capable of snaring many a casual beat observer.
Horns and organ mingle with harmonica and rhythm guitar no more profoundly than the instrumental track '39202' anchored right at the midpoint of this thirty-seven minute recording. Just prior to this piece, 'I've Been a Ramblin' makes a strong play for the album's crowning point as Daniels celebrates putting roots down in Jackson, Mississippi following a period of... yes you've got it...ramblin'.
You do lose yourself in a satisfying way when delving into DOWNLOADS FROM THE UNIVERSE (still unsure of the title's origin, but hey its the vibes that count). Jason Daniels and his band make music that doesn't really warrant naval scrutiny. Just spin it and let your senses or body movements do the rest. This album possesses a sense of feel good vibrancy alongside the quality to find its way into the niche segments of many a music collection. Especially those open to a slice of therapeutic heartwarming Americana with the most infectious of soulful tinges.
Americana Highways
When it comes to Americana music there is nothing quite as wonderful as those artists who can produce a sound that melds multiple genres together. This ability to cross-pollinate across different musical styles adds a special power to their music which usually helps them stand out in the frenetic new- music- every- minute culture that we are all living in and through right now. With Downloads From The Universe, the new album from Jason Daniels Band, they prove that as a band, they are ready, willing and more than able to wield this very power.
The sound they present on the record is an invigorating combination of soul, country, blues, jazz, gospel, and funk that stands as one of the most exciting and distinctive blends of multiple genres found anywhere this year. On top of that, it’s also quite possibly, the most positive record you will hear this year as well. Unabashedly upbeat, the songs very much sound like musical crepuscular rays of light for our dark times.
Highlights include the soulful “It All Can Slip Away”, the exuberant and spirit-filled “Music Is A Prayer”, the blues rockin’ “I’ve Been Ramblin”, the Jesus rocker “Be My Friend,” the soaring anthem for 2020 “Breathe”, and the aptly titled closer and signifier “Prayer to the World.”
By being able to tap into that glorious vein that is American music and forge a unique sound of their own, the Jason Daniels Band with this collection of songs is able to create a record that should be accessible to anyone who wants or needs to hear a shot of musical positivity in their lives right now. Full of courage and defiance against negativity, this album will uplift you and encourage you which is no small feat given the darkness and heaviness of events all around all us right now.
Downloads From the Universe (self-released) was co-produced by Kent Bruce and Murph Caicedo and is now available on the band’s website .
Robert Kinsler's Rock 'n' Roll Truth Blog
The cool vibes of British blues, jam rock, '70s funk, roots rock and even Latin blend in the captivating Downloads From The Universe, the new album featuring the Jason Daniels Band.
Jason Daniels (lead vocals, lead & rhythm guitar), Murph Caicedo (drums), Rob Wicks (bass) and Chris Nash (keyboards) have a warm chemistry and their style combines good vibes, great musicianship and solid songwriting. The range of material is impressive, with the strong opener "I'm Not Going Down," the Texas-fried blues ride "I've Been Ramblin'," funky romp "39202," scorching rocker "Dead and Gone" and breezy folk rocker "Breathe" among this writer's favorites.
The Grateful Web
From Northern California to Music City to the “City with Soul”, Jason Daniels’ music reflects his range of influences. A little funky, a little jammy, a little bluesy, with country influence and flavors of Latin and Caribbean thrown in. Daniels moves with ease between genres while retaining a flavor that is uniquely his own.
Growing up in the Napa Valley town of St. Helena, he picked up the guitar at the age of 8 and wrote his first song by the age of 12. Daniels was inspired by his two uncles, George and Paul Richey who were well-known musicians, songwriters and publishers who started out at Sun Records in Memphis (George was married to Tammy Wynette). As an adult, Daniels spent many years traveling and creating adventures that inspired his first record. Eventually, Daniels settled in Nashville, TN where he lived for 7 years and wrote and recorded his debut album, Dashboard Visions and Rearview Reflections. Maverick Magazine claimed it was “full of soul and grit” and was an “...album well worth seeking out” and Daniels landed on the cover of the Jackson Free Press as an “artist to pay attention to”.
Downloads From The Universe is his follow up to his lauded debut. It was recorded to tape at the legendary Malaco Studios in Jackson, MS where he’s lived for the past 7 years. The album is co-produced with Kent Bruce who engineered and mastered, and Murph Caicedo (who also plays drums on the album). “I think recording to tape and the analog recording process is an aspect of this album that makes it unique and special,” said Daniels. “Not just for the sound you get when the signal hits the tape, but also the commitment and command you must have of your performance because with the limited available tracks there is no room for multiple takes. You need to own your performance.”
Daniels has written a positive, uplifting and optimistic album, in response to the dark times we find ourselves in. “I’m trying to bring people together around music,” he said. “Trying to build a community. During a recent radio interview with Radio Free Jackson, DJ Rex McAllister called the album, ‘music for our time ‘and said it was specifically written for this challenging time, living in the first few weeks of a global pandemic.”
Daniels optimism shines through in his song titles as well, “I’m Not Going Down”, “Music is a Prayer”, “Breathe”, “Get Down With Now” and “Prayer to the World”. “’I’m Not Going Down is my personal anthem,” he confesses. “Never give up and keep fighting!”
The song “It Can All Slip Away” came about after a sobering event. Daniels was visiting California for a high-school reunion and brought his son with him to visit his grandparents. While he was attending the reunion, the infamous big fires broke out in Napa Valley. “My father’s house was in the canyon where the first fires originated,” he said. “They barely escaped with their lives. That whole experience really rocked me and got me to thinking how fragile life is, and how we shouldn’t take it for granted.”
The hill-country vibe of “I’ve Been Ramblin’” is influenced by his adopted hometown. “When people ask me why I moved to Jackson, I tell them it’s because I wanted to breathe the air and drink the water. Since moving here I’ve really fallen in love with this place. After my own ramblin’, Jackson sure is a place I love to come home to.”
The album ends on Daniels’ “Prayer to the World”. “Things have to change and we need to come together to make the world a better place,” he emphasizes. “When I wrote the song I heard a big gospel choir singing along. The gang vocals for this song were the last tracks we cut for the record. We had a bunch of fellow musicians and friends come to the studio to join in. The whole recording experience had been so fantastic and cutting these vocals with all of our friends and our collective sense of accomplishment really made for a magical session."
Daniels attributes some of the alchemy to the relationship between Kent Bruce and Murph Caicedo. “Having recorded dozens of albums together, they know each other and the way they interact really contributed to the vibe in the studio.”
With Jason Daniels on guitar and vocals and Caicedo on drums, the rest of the band is comprised of Rob Wicks on bass and Chris Nash on keys. Several other musicians were brought in for background vocals, B3, sax, harmonica and percussion. “I’m really proud of my first album. Everybody did an amazing job, but there was a transactional element to using hired players. I released my first album under just my name and this album is the Jason Daniels Band. I’ve been playing with Chris for four years now and Rob for a few years and it was magic from the first time we got together with Murph. This is an album made by a band who’ve logged hours on the road, playing shows and in rehearsals, learning how to play together. Collectively we worked so hard to prepare ourselves for these sessions, and I believe it really shows. I can’t say and I try not to worry about what anyone will think of the album, whether they love it, hate it, or are indifferent. Artistically this is the most satisfying thing I have ever created, and I know the rest of the guys will agree.”
TakeEffectReviews.com
A Mississippi resident who’s spent time all over the country, Jason Daniels brings a wealth of influences to his song craft, where this sophomore album was recorded to tape with his positive and optimistic demeanor never far from the surface.
“I’m Not Going Down” starts the album with some cosmic roots sounds as wordless vocals from Jennifer Gibbons and an organ set the pace for the rhythmic, Americana prowess, and “It All Can Slip Away” cements the atmosphere with plenty of funk and blues nods in the highly melodic delivery.
At the halfway point, “39202” isn’t short on grooves amid the frisky landscape that benefits from sax by Steve Stevens, while “Be My Friend” recruits a stronger percussive presence as spirited guitar lines help develop a jam band quality. “Breathe”, one of the album’s strongest tunes, than offers rollicking keys and bright sax in the festive atmosphere that will leave you unable to sit still.
Late in the listen “Get Down With Now” moves calmer with an emotive quality and some gospel hints, and “Prayer To The World” exits the listen with a group chorus and a feel good climate amid the sharp musicianship.
A breath of fresh air in a time with so much turmoil, Downloads From The Universe is nothing if not a good time, and one that embraces jazz, Latin and rock ideas that flow with a loose feel that often sounds like it emanates from the ‘70s but sure sounds great in 2020.
Hobo On the Tracks
Downloads (And Vinyl & CD) From The Brilliant Jason Daniels Band
We are in Grateful Dead territory with The Jason Daniels Band new album Downloads From The Universe, good-time Dead that is…
Daniels’ second album swings and swaggers as all good rock and roll should and his band’s blend of Southern Rock rubs shoulders with soul, country and blues producing a piece of work that feels like albums used to feel. A real nice piece of work.
Downloads From The Universe was recorded to tape at the legendary Malaco Studios in Jackson, MS where he’s lived for the past seven years. The album is co- produced with Kent Bruce who engineered and mastered, and Murph Caicedo (who also plays drums on the album).
“I think recording to tape and the analogue recording process is an aspect of this album that makes it unique and special,” said Daniels. “Not just for the sound you get when the signal hits the tape, but also the commitment and command you must have of your performance, because with the limited available tracks there is not room for multiple takes. You need to own your performance.” And Daniels certainly does that and is buoyed by the presence of Rob Wicks on bass and Chris Nash on keys. Several other musicians were brought in for background vocals, B3, sax, harmonica and percussion.
“I’m really proud of my first album Dashboard Visions & Rearview Reflections. Everybody did an amazing job, but there was a transactional element to using hired players. I released my first album under just my name and this album is the Jason Daniels Band. I’ve been playing with Chris for four years now and Rob for a few years and it was magic from the first time we got together with Murph. This is an album made by a band who’ve logged hours on the road, playing shows and in rehearsals, learning how to play together. Collectively we worked so hard to prepare ourselves for these sessions, and I believe it really shows. I can’t say and I try not to worry about what anyone will think of the album, whether they love it, hate it, or are indifferent. Artistically this is the most satisfying album I have made and Daniels optimism shines through in his song titles as well, I’m Not Going Down, Music is a Prayer, Breathe, Get Down With Now and Prayer to the World. I’m Not Going Down is my personal anthem,” he confesses. “Never give up and keep fighting!”
The song It Can All Slip Away came about after a sobering event. Daniels was visiting California for a high-school reunion and brought his son with him to visit his grandparents. While he was attending the reunion, the infamous big fires broke out in Napa Valley. “My father’s house was in the canyon where the first fires originated,” he said. “They barely escaped with their lives. That whole experience really rocked me and got me to thinking how fragile life is, and how we shouldn’t take it for granted.”
The hill-country vibe of I’ve Been Ramblin’ is influenced by his adopted hometown. “When people ask me why I moved to Jackson, I tell them it’s because I wanted to breathe the air and drink the water. Since moving here I’ve really fallen in love with this place. After my own ramblin’, Jackson sure is a place I love to come home to.”
The album ends on Daniels’ Prayer to the World. “Things have to change and we need to come together to make the world a better place,” he emphasises. “When I wrote the song I heard a big gospel choir singing along. The gang vocals for this song were the last tracks we cut for the record. We had a bunch of fellow musicians and friends come to the studio to join in. The whole recording experience had been so fantastic and cutting these vocals with all of our friends and our collective sense of accomplishment really made for a magical session.”
In turn it has made for a magical album that delivers on all fronts but most of all it is a wonderful groove for these troubling times.
And as the man sings on the opening track:
“It all can slip away
We’ve got to live today
‘Cause there’s no guarantee of tomorrow
The time has come to trade hate for love
Don’t have to carry away all these sorrows”
Jeff Burger Review
Americana Highways / The Morton Review / Blogcritics
Downloads from the Universe is the winning second album from Jason Daniels, who comes from Northern California but now lives in Jackson, Mississippi. You can hear the influence of music from both those places on the album, which draws on multiple genres, including Southern rock, jazz, funk, and even Caribbean music. These recordings sound loose, spontaneous, and reminiscent of 1970s LPs from acts like the Grateful Dead (the Keith and Donna Godchaux era) and Delaney and Bonnie. Platitudes do pop up in some of the lyrics, but the catchy, upbeat songs are engaging enough to put you in a forgiving mood.
Rootsville
Album Report: The Jason Daniels Band (translated from Dutch)
From Northern California to Music City to the "City with Soul", Jason Daniels' music reflects his range of influences. A little funky, a little jammy, a bit bluesy, with country influences and flavors of Latin and Caribbean. Daniels easily moves between genres, while maintaining a unique flavor.
"Downloads From The Universe" follows on from his acclaimed debut. It was recorded on tape at the legendary Malaco Studios in Jackson, MS, where he has lived for the past 7 years. The album is co-produced by Kent Bruce, who designed and mastered, and Murph Caicedo (who also plays drums on the album). "I think recording on tape and the analog recording process is an aspect of this album that makes it unique and special," says Daniels. “Not only for the sound you get when the signal hits the band, but also the stakes and command you need to get from your performance, because with the limited tracks available, there is no room for multiple takes.
Daniels has written a positive, uplifting and optimistic album in response to the dark times we are in. Daniel's optimism is also reflected in his song titles: "I'm Not Going Down", "Music is a Prayer", "Breathe", "Get Down With Now" and "Prayer to the World". The song "It Can All Slip Away" came about after a sobering event. Daniels was visiting California for a high school reunion and took his son to visit his grandparents. While attending the reunion, the infamous big fires broke out in Napa Valley.
The hilly landscape of 'Ive Been Ramblin' is influenced by its adopted birthplace. "When people ask me why I moved to Jackson, I say it's because I wanted to breathe the air and drink the water. The album ends on Daniel's" Prayer to the World. "
Roots Highway
Jason Daniels Band - Downloads from the Universe (translated from Italian)
Do not be fooled by the cover: Downloads From The Universe is not a mystical / psychedelic rock album, but a mix of southern soul with some funky rhythm, a pinch of country blues and a jam band approach (not in the duration of the songs). This range of influences may also be due to Jason Daniels' numerous movements: he grew up in Helena in Napa Valley, moved for a few years to Nashville where he made his debut Dashboard Visions and Rearview Reflections finally moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where he has lived for seven years. Furthermore Jason is the nephew of Paul and George Richey (husband of Tammy Wynette from '78 to '98), musicians and producers linked to Memphis and the country of Nashville.
This second album is a collective work, not surprisingly made out to the band formed by Jason (vocals and guitar), Rob Wicks (bass), Chris Nash (keyboards) and Murph Caicedo (drums), who co-produced the album with Kent Bruce in Jackson's famous Malaco Studios. We should also mention the appreciable contribution of the other collaborators Steve Stevens (sax), Michael Laskin (organ), Jennifer Gibbons (choirs) and Scott Albert Johnson (harmonica). The ten tracks, all written by Jason, flow quickly and seem made to accompany a journey through the American blue roads. Maybe they do not reach memorable heights of writing, but are arranged and played with care and reveal a feeling of positivity and joy also reflected in the lyrics.
Written during the first months of the lockdown, Downloads From The Universe wants to be a response and a reaction to this situation, starting from the belief that music has the power to bring people together and to give hope in difficult times. The opener I'm Not Going Down refers to this , a funky path from the sax and interpreted with a persuasive voice that invites you to live life to the end, It All Can Slip Away , a message of optimism and the relaxed Music Is A Prayer on the positive effect of music. In the funky-blues I've Been Ramblin'the contribution of the nervous harmonic of Scott Albert Johnson emerges, while the valuable instrumental 39202 is a jam with an ancient flavor reminiscent of the Traffic of Steve Winwood. The disc continues without shaking, with a prevalence of medium or fast times and passing through the funky groove of Be My Friend , the choral Dead And Gone, a sort of rewriting of After Midnight by JJ Cale and the spirited single Breathe , inserting hints of gospel in the southerner soul Get Down With You and ending with the somewhat obvious up-tempo of Prayer To The World .
The Ripple Effect - The Xroadie Files
The Jason Daniels Band - Downloads from the Universe
I’m Not Going Down blues jazzy music that just pulls you in as you drift along. It All Can Slip Away catchy melodies just sway swing and sing. Music Is A Prayer take a trip back to the seventies and the great melodies of that generation. I’ve Been Ramblin catchy bluesy number that will fill you with emotions. 39202 catchy groove that just pull you in as the take you away to another time and place. Be My Friend catchy grooves that just envelop you. Dead And Gone scorching leads steady beats and thumping bass with amazing musicianship. Breathe a get up and boogie till he last note tune. Get Down With Now bluesy jazzy musical number. Prayer To The World just drift along as the groove and emotions envelop you.
The Grateful Web
GW PREMIERE: JASON DANIELS BAND'S “BREATHE”
"Breathe, Be, Feel, Learn are the first words of each verse. I was coming from a place of desperation and I needed to raise my own vibration and this song came pouring out to me. It’s really just a list of things I need to remember to remind myself."
Video filmed in the Midtown Arts District, Jackson MS and produced by The Works LLC.
JP's Music Blog
The Jason Daniels Band Deliver A Sweet, Southern Rock Groove
Next, we get the latest release from soulful, southern rockers The Jason Daniels Band. Their new album titled "Downloads From The Universe" features ten new tracks that cross musical genres, as Daniels brings together his west coast and Midwestern influences mixed with blues, soul and funk. The new release begins with the jammy, funky rhythm of "I'm Not Going Down," along with the message of living life to the fullest, because as Daniels sings "It All Can Slip Away." The energy picks up with the southern harmonies of "I've Been Ramblin'," which contains a blazing harmonica solo from Scott Albert Johnson. The Jason Daniels Band simply just jam to the perfect rhythm of "39202," before they wrap up their new album with the funky melody of "Dead And Gone," the country-roots influence of "Breathe" and the uplifting, sing-along of "Prayer To The World."
Michael Doherty's Music Log
The Jason Daniels Band: “Downloads From The Universe” (2020) CD Review
The first time I listened to Downloads From The Universe, the new album from The Jason Daniels Band, I was sinking into a serious case of the blues. Sometimes the state of the world is just too much, you know? There is so much ugliness, so much hatred, so much anger, and then with the pandemic, reality has been more stressful and further distorted. The album’s first track, “I’m Not Going Down,” kept me from sinking any farther. And that’s a great thing that music can do, hold out a hand to us, offer support. The Jason Daniels Band is based in Jackson, Mississippi, and delivers music that takes influence from several different genres and offers us an optimistic and positive view, something we can certainly appreciate. The band is made up of Jason Daniels on guitar and vocals, Murph Calcedo on drums, Rob Wicks on bass, and Chris Nash on keys. Joining them on this release are Michael Laskin on organ, Jennifer Gibbons on backing vocals, Steve Stevens on saxophone, Scott Albert Johnson on harmonica, and Frito Tuente on percussion. The album contains all original material, written by Jason Daniels.
In that opening track, “I’m Not Going Down,” Jason Daniels sings “There’s no one coming to save me/I’m drifting away to sea/I’m terrified,” and that’s exactly how a lot of folks feel. We are all on a sinking ship, “bailing like crazy.” But he follows that by insisting, “I’m not going down, I’m not going down.” And that’s what we all must do these days. This track features some nice work by Steve Stevens on saxophone. That’s followed by “It All Can Slip Away,” a song that has a good groove and features some nice work on keys. At the beginning, Jason sings “It all can slip away/We’ve got to live today/Because there’s no guarantee of tomorrow.” There are many songs that urge us to seize the moment, to live for the day, and we need them all. We need constant reminders to appreciate life each day, and to let go of our hatred, our heartache, our sorrow. This song urges us to let the music help us get through, and that’s what many of us have been doing during these dark and strange days, though I’m not sure how many of us have been able to “boogie on down,” as this song encourages. We’re not quite there yet. I hope we will be soon. “The time has come/To trade hate for love/Don’t have to carry around all these sorrows.”
“Music Is A Prayer” is a soulful, uplifting number about the power of music to help us, telling us “Every time you sing a song/You’re sending up a prayer/Music is vibration/Let your frequency be clear.” The line “Let your music fill the air” reminds me of a line from my all-time favorite song, the Grateful Dead’s “Ripple”: “Let there be songs to fill the air.” Then “I’ve Been Ramblin’” features some good work on harmonica. This is another song to add to my road trip play list. Now I just need a road trip. My girlfriend and I have talked about getting an RV. There is something so appealing about that now, isn’t there? This song has a strong groove, and becomes a damn good jam, exactly the sort of thing to keep you going during those long stretches on the road where there seems to be nothing of interest in any direction. “I’ve Been Ramblin’” is followed by “39202,” which has a funky groove and includes some nice work on saxophone. There is a good energy about this instrumental number. Its title, by the way, refers to a zip code in Jackson, Mississippi. “Be My Friend” also features a good groove.
“Dead And Gone” comes on strong, ready and eager to rock us. “When I’m dead and gone, please don’t put me in no grave.” It is interesting to cut loose and simultaneously think of one’s own demise, but maybe that’s what we’re doing on a daily basis, cutting loose as a way of keeping it at arm’s length. I always figure if I’m dancing, death can’t touch me. Don’t tell me I’m wrong. This song features some great stuff on guitar. At moments, this track reminds me of Eric Clapton’s version of “After Midnight.” That’s followed by “Breathe,” which immediately announces itself as a fun track, with that work on keys, and the saxophone. It is a positive number, with lines like “You’re beautiful/You’ve come so far/You’ve got so much to give” and “Forgiving yourself, that’s where you start/You’re going to do some things wrong, you’re going to do some things right/Don’t give into the darkness, look at the light.” There are more positive vibes on “Get Down With Now,” another song with a delicious groove. The album then concludes with “Prayer To The World,” which should do the trick of reminding each of us that we are not facing these troubles alone. In fact, a large group of backing vocalists adds support to this one, adding their voices to this prayer to the world.
Midwest Record Review
JASON DANIELS BAND/Downloads from the Universe
A member of Tammy Wynette's extended family that found himself in Jackson MS after getting a bunch of miles under his belt decides to kick it at Malaco studio. Sounding nothing like the hippie outing you'd expect from the cover, this is the new generation of jam band/genre bender rocking out in his own unique way. Music without an agenda that seems just made to be enjoyed with a blunt or two.
WoNo Magazine (Netherlands)
Downloads From The Universe. The Jason Daniels Band
That is quite a legacy to be suggestion when someone calls his band The Jason Daniels Band. The name Charlie pops up within nano seconds. Although I know only one song by that band, it is one that can still be heard on the radio on a regular basis, despite nudging towards becoming a half century old.
This is The Jason Daniels Band and yes, the music is in a country (rock) vein, so sounds familiar, barring the fired up violin. The mystic/psychedelic cover has not much to do with the content, so if you expect a trippy, psychedelic album, you are at the wrong address at this moment. Mind, this is where my first impression and my new reality are starting to drift apart fast.
Strangely enough the opening song, 'I'm Not Going Down', does have some wavy gravy starts. Even Les Dudek of the mid 70s comes to mind. There's a warm Hammond sound, a funky guitar and a suave saxophone. Not to forget the gospel like oohs being sung in the background. This is total 70s alright. Without in any way sounding anachronistic. 'I'm Not Going Down' is a far to pleasantly, swinging song for that.
The album continues in this way. Although it is the electric piano that takes over a little from the organ as the most ear catching instrument, banging away its chords and solo. Jason Daniels' voice has a nice edge to it that contrasts nicely with the suave, female backing vocals. 'It All Can Slip Away' again has an extremely nice vibe, that makes limbs and mind move.
Moving towards song three, 'Music Is A Prayer', the sound becomes somewhat more traditional and one name pops up in my mind: JJ Cale. Especially 'City Girl' from the 'Grasshopper' album. The Jason Daniels Band is far less subtle but catches that JJ Cale vibe with its fuller sound. Something that happens again with 'Dead And Gone', where 'After Midnight' comes to mind.
When a harmonica is added in 'I've Been Ramblin'', the album gets a different sound, but the 70s country/southern rock is even more emulated than before in this song. There may not be a three guitar line up, but a two keyboardist one, the musical intent is clear. Also Bob Dylan in his most rocking outings like in 'The Groom's Still Waiting At The Altar' comes to mind.
Jason Daniels stems from the Napa Valley in California, recorded his first album in Nashville but wound up in the town made famous by the Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood duet, Jackson. Here he formed his band and after years of playing together recorded his second album, with the word Band added to his name. Together with some extra musicians bringing the band beyond the guitar (Daniels), bass (Rob Wicks), keyboard (Chris Nash) and drums (Murph Caisedo).
Downloads From The Universe is an extremely swinging album. The one thing that puzzles me is that after the first two listening sessions I came away with the impression of a nice country rock album but not more than that. Listening more often hardly anything from that impression is left. For that the album swings too much, is far too diverse and brings together so much more influences that are incorporated successfully into the whole of the sound. The deep south even enters with 'Get Down With Now' as this song holds some strong gospel over tones in it. Again that electric piano and Hammond play such a nice role in giving the song its frills and thrills.
Having told all, I have to conclude that Downloads From The Universe is one of the nicest albums in this genre I've heard in the past years. Surprising and so diverse. Certainly an album to invest (time) in to get to know better and better. It definitely pays off, with great satisfaction guaranteed. What remains to be said, is the Charlie Daniels is no relation, but his uncle George was married to Tammy Wynette. Music does run in the family.
Wo.
Keys and Chords (Belgium)
THE JASON DANIELS BAND TO RELEASE THE FUNKY-BLUESY JAM, 'DOWNLOADS FROM THE UNIVERSE' JULY 31
From Northern California to Music City to the “City with Soul”, Jason Daniels’ music reflects his range of influences. A little funky, a little jammy, a little bluesy, with country influence and flavors of Latin and Caribbean thrown in. Daniels moves with ease between genres, while retaining a flavor that is uniquely his own.
Growing up in the Napa Valley town of St. Helena, he picked up the guitar at the age of 8 and wrote his first song by the age of 12. Daniels was inspired by his two uncles, George and Paul Richey who were well-known musicians, songwriters and publishers who started out at Sun Records in Memphis (George was married to Tammy Wynette). As an adult, Daniels spent many years traveling and creating adventures that inspired his first record. Eventually Daniels settled in Nashville, TN where he lived for 7 years and wrote and recorded his debut album, Dashboard Visions and Rearview Reflections. Maverick Magazine claimed it was “full of soul and grit” and was an “…album well worth seeking out” and Daniels landed on the cover of the Jackson Free Press as an “artist to pay attention to”.
Downloads From The Universe is his follow up to his lauded debut. It was recorded to tape at the legendary Malaco Studios in Jackson, MS where he’s lived for the past 7 years. The album is co-produced with Kent Bruce who engineered and mastered, and Murph Caicedo (who also plays drums on the album). “I think recording to tape and the analog recording process is an aspect of this album that makes it unique and special,” said Daniels. “Not just for the sound you get when the signal hits the tape, but also the commitment and command you must have of your performance, because with the limited available tracks there is not room for multiple takes. You need to own your performance.”
Daniels has written a positive, uplifting and optimistic album, in response to the dark times we find ourselves in. “I’m trying to bring people together around music,” he said. “Trying to build a community. During a recent radio interview with Radio Free Jackson, DJ Rex McAllister called the album, ‘music for our time ‘and said it was specifically written for this challenging time, living in the first few weeks of a global pandemic.”
Daniels optimism shines through in his song titles as well, “I’m Not Going Down”, “Music is a Prayer”, “Breathe”, “Get Down With Now” and “Prayer to the World”. “’I’m Not Going Down is my personal anthem,” he confesses. “Never give up and keep fighting!”
The song “It Can All Slip Away” came about after a sobering event. Daniels was visiting California for a high-school reunion and brought his son with him to visit his grandparents. While he was attending the reunion, the infamous big fires broke out in Napa Valley. “My father’s house was in the canyon where the first fires originated,” he said. “They barely escaped with their lives. That whole experience really rocked me and got me to thinking how fragile life is, and how we shouldn’t take it for granted.”
The hill-country vibe of “I’ve Been Ramblin’” is influenced by his adopted hometown. “When people ask me why I moved to Jackson, I tell them it’s because I wanted to breathe the air and drink the water. Since moving here I’ve really fallen in love with this place. After my own ramblin’, Jackson sure is a place I love to come home to.”
The album ends on Daniels’ “Prayer to the World”. “Things have to change and we need to come together to make the world a better place,” he emphasizes. “When I wrote the song I heard a big gospel choir singing along. The gang vocals for this song were the last tracks we cut for the record. We had a bunch of fellow musicians and friends come to the studio to join in. The whole recording experience had been so fantastic and cutting these vocals with all of our friends and our collective sense of accomplishment really made for a magical session.”
Daniels attributes some of the alchemy to the relationship between Kent Bruce and Murph Caicedo. “Having recorded dozens of albums together, they know each other and the way they interact really contributed to the vibe in the studio.”
With Jason Daniels on guitar and vocals and Caicedo on drums, the rest of the band is comprised of Rob Wicks on bass and Chris Nash on keys. Several other musicians were brought in for background vocals, B3, sax, harmonica and percussion. “I’m really proud of my first album. Everybody did an amazing job, but there was a transactional element to using hired players. I released my first album under just my name and this album is the Jason Daniels Band. I’ve been playing with Chris for four years now and Rob for a few years and it was magic from the first time we got together with Murph. This is an album made by a band who’ve logged hours on the road, playing shows and in rehearsals, learning how to play together. Collectively we worked so hard to prepare ourselves for these sessions, and I believe it really shows. I can’t say and I try not to worry about what anyone will think of the album, whether they love it, hate it, or are indifferent. Artistically this is the most satisfying thing I have ever created, and I know the rest of the guys will agree.”