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Jason Harwell, on the liner notes of “Alive in the Fall,” tells a bit about his recent journey from death to life. The word “inspiring” comes to mind. The music matches.
Despite an exciting turn as Meat Judge for Future Farmers of America, Jason Harwell still felt life was meant for more. Some people are just funny like that. His search led him and his wife to California and ultimately, to the formation of his non-profit record label, Rebuilt Records. "Alive in the Fall," a fascinating collection of alt-folk songs dripping with authenticity and encouragement, tells the tales of these adventures and in the process, moves us into consideration of own lives and their possibilities. I know, I know, that's laying a heavy load on a first album, but believe me, Jason Harwell is up to the task. And then some. The soaring ballad, "California," is the obvious opening choice, of course, as Harwell wails out the story of moving out past his fears into the wild blue world of yes. The thick chords of rocker "Color Outside the Lines" feel like miles of highway disappearing with each go-west-young-man beat. Harwell brings intimacy into each tale with lines like: "we're testing our faith with each and every mile." The story continues with the infectious hooks of "Somewhere the Sun," an upbeat pop gem whose bouncy tempo belies the weight of its vital message. The exultant "Declaration Song" pumps a challenge to your soul with its glorious strings, pounding rhythms and brave lyrics. Each of these opening songs cover the important issues of life and faith in an everyman tone that both intrigues and invites. As the musical journal goes on, Harwell examines the soul-deadening routines of life with the same fearlessness, challenging us to wake up to life. But throughout, his tone is conversational and upbeat. The power of this approach is shown throughout this superb album, ranging from the slap-happy irony of "Just Another Run of the Mill Day," the early Brit feel of the ranting "Wake Up," and the Eagles-like encourager, "Sunday Comes Again." "Alive in the Fall" shows great diversity, moving between themes and styles close to but not tied down by Americana folk-pop. Aside from the diary-like openers, the standout track has to be the stunning "Nice Day for a Blue Dress," a tribute to his grandmother who suffered from Alzheimers. The moving ballad is thoughtfully arranged, its old-school changes echoing the cycle of life so powerfully expressed in Harwell's soft vocals and the gentle cello refrain. Again, his mature lyrics paint a dead-on portrait of a palpable sorrow: "I wished the Lord would take you home/ I'm sad that wish came true." The music industry is richer for the participation of Jason Harwell, and I can't wait to watch the years unfold more of his journey, beginning with the stellar "Alive in the Fall." Other Indie Offerings
The copyright of the article Jason Harwell: Alive in the Fall in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish Jason Harwell: Alive in the Fall in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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