Folk-influenced American Rock: Jason Nesmith's Portrait

Jason Nesmith is related to an icon of the 60’s/70’s: Bob Dylan. On his disc, Portrait¸ I hear glimmers of Dylan or Dylan-related artists throughout the album.

It begins with the “It’s Alright, Mama” vocal rhythm on the verses of "Mumtaz" coupled with an overall Folk-influenced American Rock of Dylan’s former mates, the Band. "Forever And A Day" also has hints of the group in the bluesy roots rock. "Any Other Day" thematically looks back on the protesting days that gave birth to Dylan and the folk movement.

Jumping ahead through the decades, there’s the groove of the Grateful Dead on "There’s A Girl," a band that collaborated with Dylan in the late 80’s. "Island in a Storm" has the beauty, mystery, and guitar haunt of Daniel Lanois, producer of Dylan’s Oh, Mercy!.

There’s another 60’s/70’s icon that you might be thinking of when you hear Nesmith: Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin. "Don’t Be Afraid" carries that Zeppelin balladry, and Nesmith’s voice has that big stadium whine that full envelopes you in another world.

There are touchpoints with current artists as well. “Eye” is probably the strongest track with its psychedelic hints of Joseph Arthur and the AltCountry/Britrock ramble of Sam Roberts. "One Perfect Star" could be something off of Johnny Marr’s solo album, Boomslang, combined with retro blues rock and a little bit of synth-pop-punk of Peter DiStefano.

Of course, Nesmith is also related to another past icon: his father, Michael. The Monkees’ knit cap-wearing guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist can be heard in his son’s voice from time to time, but the songs on Portrait are all originals without a Davy Jones in the whole locker.

Thank you to Jason Nesmith and Fundamental Records for the review copy.