Jason Carter brings decades of bluegrass mastery to xBk on Aug. 22
By Fred Love
Before Jason Carter hit his twentieth birthday, he was playing fiddle for bluegrass legend Del McCoury. The opportunity provided him a goldmine of musical knowledge, but one lesson Del shared about what makes a great bluegrass solo has stayed with Carter ever since.
Just play the darn melody.
“I learned a lot from the McCourys, especially Del,” Carter said. “The only thing he ever preached to me about was to play the melody of the song – start off with the melody and then work off of that. That’s still what I try to do. Sometimes the simplest thing is the best.”
Now an award-winning fiddler in his own right, Carter applies that same philosophy to his own band. When it’s time to step up to the mic and saw out an instrumental solo, he doesn’t stray far from the vocal melody. It’s a simple approach that has served him well throughout a remarkable career.
A Kentucky native, Carter has spent the past 30 years playing fiddle for the Del McCoury Band. He’s won three Grammy Awards, including the 2018 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album with the Travelin’ McCourys, of which he is a founding member. He’s also earned five International Bluegrass Music Association Fiddle Player of the Year awards. Along the way, he’s contributed fiddle to albums by Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and Asleep at the Wheel, among many others.
Carter brings that world-class bluegrass pedigree to xBk on Saturday, Aug. 22. Tickets are available online at https://wl.eventim.us/event/jason-carter-band/690417?afflky=xBkLive
His touring band features seasoned bluegrass musicians who, Carter said, thrive on delivering high-energy performances. The set list draws heavily from his 2022 solo album, Lowdown Hoedown; and Carter & Cleveland, a collaborative record with fellow bluegrass fiddler Michael Cleveland. The band may also work in a few Grateful Dead covers. Carter recently finished tracking a new album of original compositions, and audiences may hear a preview of some of that new material during the tour.
Even after decades at the top of the bluegrass world, Carter says the musicianship he encounters at festivals across the country continues to inspire him. A recent appearance at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival in May was a reminder of just how deep the talent pool runs.
“Bluegrass is just full of great musicians, for one thing,” Carter said. “The musicianship is so high level that I think people can’t help but get into it.”
xBk presents the Jason Carter Band
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22ND
Doors: 7 p.m. Show: 8 p.m.
All Ages
Tickets available at https://wl.eventim.us/event/jason-carter-band/690417?afflky=xBkLive