Jackson Monsour
Bedford, Pennsylvania, United States | SELF
Music
Press
JACKSON MONSOUR, the artist and his self titled CD. Jackson is a native of Bedford, Pa. The CD consist of 14 songs that will take you on a musical journey. Jackson touchs almost every type of musical genre you can think of and he does it well. His back-up band is really tight backing him up and the mixtures work great together. Believe me, this CD will have you bopping around in your car with the music cranked up.
I must admit, it’s hard to pick out any favorites on this CD because there are alot of stong songs on it. I definitely feel he is one of Bedford, PA’s hidden talents and people should start to take notice of him.
The song “REALITY” is great with a jazzy, bluesy touch to it as he jokes around at it poking holes at reality. The piano work is a stand-out on this one. The reggae song tited “IF I COULD” flows with a great melody and lyrics that you will no doubt be singing. The organ riff will have you saying WOW!
“FORGIVE AND FORGET” is a simple rock song and that carries itself well. The harmonies are great on this. “REPLACIN’ PAIN” has great lyrics and he tells like it is about living in a town like Bedford, PA and this no doubt sums it up. The simple riff and harmonies keep it going and you’ll be bopping to it in a minute. “BABY BACK BLUES” is truly a blues song that has some amazing slide guitar and back up vocals. You’ll definitely have the feeling that you are down south… he really has his heart into it, you’ll love it. He ends the CD with “MR. BILL” about a dentist that gets him high and what he wants to do. What a blast.
I highly recommend this CD to everyone. You will not be disappointed and the CD will give you more than your money’s worth. I hope Bedford, PA appreciates what they have right in front of them because it’s about time they do.
- Jimmy Alford. PA Music Scene
...is an engaging, upbeat Americana artist, described as "ridiculously good-looking." He doesn't let that get in the way of his talent though. Since performing in the Johnstown Folk Festival last year, he has been touring the western PA region, and is building quite a following. Don't miss this up-close-and-personal with one of the region's brightest young stars. - Jack Erdie
JACKSON MONSOUR – JULY 5TH (no label) Bedford-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Jackson Monsour strips his sound to the basics and taps his roots on his second CD, July 5th. Following his more band-geared 2005 debut album Anywhere But Here, Jackson delivers a stripped-down, acoustic set this time out; performing a blend of traditional and Celtic folk, pop, reggae and light rock over a baker’s dozen tracks. With strong emphases on melody and lyrics, Jackson uses his range of styles to paint moods and backdrops for his variety of topics. A hearty Celtic-folk backdrop sets the stage for the charged leadoff track “Leader,” a condemnation of the current regime and where it is leading us. A similar Irish pub vibe underscores the robust title track “July 5th,” distinguishing real patriots from holiday celebrants. A homey Appalachian folk sound surrounds the homecoming ode “Back in the Mountains,” inspired during Jackson’s brief performing career aboard a Caribbean cruise ship. Playful reggae carries the catchy and pleasant “Coconut,” the whackjob love interest send-off “Criminally Insane” and the tabloid television-inspired “Take It Back.” In a more serious vein, a somber Americana tone accompanies Jackson’s portrayal of rural desolation, “Empty Houses;” while his prayer “Lay Me Down” ends the album with a tranquil gospel flavor. Jackson sells all of these themes with a full-bodied voice and expressive, heartfelt presentation. The presence of additional fiddle, guitar, percussion and layered backing vocals help further color in and add depth to the overall sound. Recorded and mixed at Raintree Studios, the sound is clean and full, with Jackson’s voice up front in the mix and the instruments distinct and clear. With its stripped-down acoustic approach, July 5th directs the listener’s focus to Jackson Monsour’s talents as a musical storyteller who can paint pictures through his words, presentation and diversity of styles. It’s a catchy, warm and engaging album that further defines his soul and musical scope. (The CD can be purchased through Jackson’s Myspace website, www.myspace.com/jacksonmonsour.)
- Jim Price, PA Musician
Discography
"Anywhere But Here", 2005
"July 5th", 2007
self entitled, 2010
East Coast Compilation Chill 2008, "Big Fish"
radio play::: Johnstown, PA; Indiana, PA; Pittsburgh, PA, Key West, FL, Fredonia College, NY; Ithica, NY, Manhattanville College, NY, Georgetown University, University of Cincinati; Bearcast Radio; College Station TX; Claremore OK; Huntsville TX; Prescott, AZ; Waukesha, WI; Binghamton, NY; Morrisville,NY; WPUB, NY,NY; WSCW,Worcester, MA;
Photos
Bio
Jackson Monsour is a singer/songwriter based out of south-central PA. Jackson was born in State College, PA on Feburary 8th, 1979. He was raised on a farm in Bedford for most of his life, where he began his music and performance at the age of 6. His first "gig" was at the Messiah Church. From the early age of 6 Jackson knew that he wanted to play music for people. In his early adolescent years he began writing and performing his own music. He fronted two high school bands, Fat Free and The Impostors. Both of which put out independent recordings. While fronting the band Fold33, throughout his college days at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA Jackson continued to write original solo material and honed his guitar skills under the teachings of Jim Ferla, a world renowned classical guitarist from the Carnegie Mellon University. After college Jackson took a break from organized music, packed his bags and bagpacked western Europe. Upon returning He moved to Key West, FL where he worked the circuit.
In the spring of 2005 Jackson released his first solo album "Anywhere But Here" which has sold over 1100 copies to date. "Willards Song", "Big Fish", and "Stay Away" have become fan favorites. Jackson got the opportunity to play music on one of Carnival cruise ships and jumped on it. The experience was good, but inspired Jackson to get back to shore and work on another original album.
"July 5th" was released in late July of 2007 and is a completely different experience than his 1st release. An all acoustic album that appeals to fans of reggae, roots, pop, and folk, which has sold 800 copies to date.
Most recently Jackson released his third solo album in September of 2010 and is currently promoting it on college radio in the US and Canada. The Self-entitled album has gained much attention from many in the industry, here's just one example......
"He has a great connection with the crowd and really knows how to read the the audience. His originals have that hook that make you think you have been hearing them on the radio for years. I have his first album and listened to it all the time until I received the latest one. Great songs that you will find yourself singing along to. He is just a true American artist who has that gift of turning real life experiences into music. He is a real pro. I think he would be great a just about any venue. Do yourself a favor and give this guy a listen.”
- J.L.Jamison Entertainment Director, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
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