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We were unexpectedly blown away by the delights of Jason Eskridge's "A Rustic Soul Christmas," so the opportunity to pick his brain sounded great to us.
Suite: Jason, first off, thanks for the great sounds, (read Suite review of "A Rustic Soul Christmas" here) and for taking the time to answer a few questions. The arrangements on "Rustic Soul Christmas" are so spotless, and very particular. Can you tell us a bit about your process for this EP? Jason: It's really kinda funny how this thing came about. I was slated to be on the road most of November and the first part of December in a musical. That musical got cancelled so needless to say I had some extra time on my hands. I've wanted to do a Christmas record for a while and just never had the time or taken the time to do it. So I said to myself, "It's a little late, but I bet Alex (Petrounov) and I can pull something cool together. We initially were just gonna do 4 or 5 songs with just acoustic guitar and vocal, but as we started arranging and recording all of the songs started lending themselves to be produced a little more. Whether it was something as simple as a couple of background vocals or a full on production. So I basically started calling on some of my friends here in Nashville and they showed up in full force to help me make "A Rustic Soul Christmas" what it is. Suite: How long have you been singing and playing? Jason: I've been singing pretty much my entire life. I started singing in the church choir when I was 3 or 4 and I also traveled with my grandfather and the Gospel Quartet that he sang with called The Five Stars. I picked up the guitar about 6 years ago. I don't fancy myself to be a guitar player, but more of a singer who uses the guitar to deliver songs. Suite: And what artist or style has influenced you most? Jason: I'm a huge fan of Stevie Wonder and Donnie Hathaway. I hope they've influenced me. I also dig artists like James Taylor, Bill Withers, and India Arie. I've spent time on the road backing Nicole C. Mullen and Lyle Lovett. My time spent with them has definitely influenced my live show. Suite: I love the party feel of "Wish You a Merry Christmas," and the scat singing. Do you do much improvisational performing? Jason: I'd say I have my fair share of improvisational moments. Sometimes in the heat of the song you end up somewhere you never intended. The guys who play in the band with me are all so tasteful and talented that there's really not any place they can't go musically. Suite: What does the perfect Christmas celebration look like to you? I mean, besides listening to "Rustic Soul Christmas," lol? Jason: Well, to quote a good friend of mine, me, all I need is "food, friends, and the family tree..." (not necessarily in that order). That really sums it up for me. I love being with friends and family and some good ol' home cooking makes the package complete. For more information on this talented artist, visit the Jason Eskridge website.
The copyright of the article Jason Eskridge Interview in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish Jason Eskridge Interview in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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