Jason Harrod

Item: Living in Skin
Author: Ramona Anne Dube

Living in Skin

(2000)

Reviewed by Ramona Anne Dube

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Label independentThe Phantom Tollbooth2002

acoustic americana folk rock

They say good things come in small packages. This is proven to be true when it comes to the debut album Living In Skin by Jason Harrod.

A stripped-down, acoustic-folk album, with warm tones, intelligent lyrics, and very versatile vocals, this 9-song disc should please fans of Pierce Pettis, Bruce Cockburn, and similar artists.

The opening track, "Siren Song," is a very powerful song that sets the tone for the rest of the album, which has themes of travel, and being away from home, and the longing one feels when they've been away for a while. The songs speak of all the things that can go along with traveling. Hopefulness, longing, starting over again, missing home and those you left behind. There are hints of all of those on this album.

Jason Harrod has been playing guitar since he was a teenager, and his skills shine through on this album. One of the tracks on the CD, "Powderhouse Rag," is an instrumental piece which showcases Harrod's playing very nicely.

For those who like a bit of bluegrass mixed in with their acoustic folk, the song "When I Get Home" is a real treat. This song won first place in April of 2000 at a songwriting contest that was judged by Gillian Welch and John Hartford.

"Siren Song" is a personal favorite - a bit more folk-rock than the rest of the album. Harrod brings in bass, drums, and some extra guitars, and sets the bar pretty high. The rest of the album pales in comparison to it, at least musically, but lyrically, the album is very solid. Placing this song at the front of the CD was a smart choice - it grabs the listener's attention and holds it - and then leaves them wanting more. Harrod delivers nicely throughout the whole album.

Prior to making this cd, while in college, Jason was in a duo with Brian Funck. Harrod & Funck began by writing together and recording demos. After opening for Brooks Williams, Williams gave a demo to Mark Heard's manager. Eventually, Mark Heard called them up and asked them to do a record with him. Heard liked their sound and said they sounded like "Simon and Garfunkel on drugs."

They drove from Chicago to LA to record their debut album, Dreams of the Color Blind. Later on, they moved to Boston, recorded two more albums, achieved some fame on college radio but in 1998, they parted ways. Harrod moved back to North Carolina, where he has been ever since. He released Living in Skin in 2000.

Living in Skin is a slight departure from the sound of Harrod & Funck, and it is a solid-sounding acoustic- folk album. Stripped down, but still new and fresh even after repeated listenings, this disc stands the test of time.

4.5 tocks