Jackson Combs Brings Edge to Americana
Chicago Singer/Songwriter Unleashes The Hardest Parts
Feb 8, 2009
Combs hasn't had it easy. He's had his heart broken, he drinks, smokes, has lost his mind and his faith, but he's never stopped. He's as contemplative as he is strong, as deep as he is passionate. And at the age of 24, he's provided a solemn testament to the hardest parts.
"The Hardest Parts", his first solo album, is a glimpse into his life, self-growth through trials and creativity in times of solitude. Combs has the ability to get in touch with his soul and put it out there for everyone else to hear.
"I love all these songs," Combs told Suite101. "They lack any intentions other than for my own sanity."
Americana Influence
Combs is an artist inspired by the Americana sound resonant in artists like Ryan Adams, Son Volt and the Avett Brothers. This melting pot of folk, rock and country continues to grow fans with engaging riffs, a country chord pattern and raw emotion.
Hard living, complex relationships and close calls have given Combs valuable perspective that he articulates boldly and honestly. In "Floyd" his vocals build in intensity and sorrow over a contagious guitar riff with an Indie Rock charm.
Chicago
After finishing school at Carthage College, Combs headed to Chicago pursue his love of music. As soon as he started playing the open mic at Uncommon Ground, he was asked to host it. Through the gig he met several talented local musicians. This led him to Chicago Acoustic Underground, where he performed a few podcasts and eventually got involved in the recording process as part of the CAU team. Currently, he lives underneath the CAU studio at 1018 Armitage Avenue.
The Evolution of Goodbye Home
Being that it didn't take long for Jackson to meet musicians when moving to the Windy City, it is no surprise to hear excellent musicians backing him up on the album. Jason Ptros, who played bass on the album, is an old friend of Combs's and worked with him previously in Makeshift Prodigy.
Other accompaniments on the album include Christine Knodle on violin and Jeff Brown on lead guitar. Brown, Knodle and Combs now play together regularly, making up a group called Goodbye Home and are due to release an album at the end of this month.
Telling a Story
Like the name of the new band, the highly introspective, upbeat "Michael, Please Come Home" deals with the struggle to find home or the concept of home: "You don't have to make it on your own/a house is not a prison if you make it feel like home". Most importantly, the song tells the story about his brother's return from Iraq.
Finding The Hardest Parts
No life is complete without the hardest parts, and Combs, with melodious melancholy, follows his favorites into the heart of Americana. The album can be purchased on www.cdbaby.com. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/gregjacksoncombs and www.myspace.com/jacksoncombsmusic.
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