Jason Paulson
1,106 plays
10,901 views
10,901 views
The "Breakdown" music publication has said that Jason Paulson is "a songwriter who is no less than amazing" and "one of the most soulful guitar players in the Twin Cities."
He has been a staple in the Minneapolis music community for 10 years. Playing with his bands Grayson and Wide Open Road, he has sold thousands of CD's and played over 2000 shows in several states and a couple of different countries. In 2004 his song "Shine" was on a Billboard compilation CD of best new artists of 2004. Jason has written over 450 songs, released two full length albums and 4 ep's with his band Grayson and 1 ep with a full length CD on the way with Wide Open Road. In addition he has also released 2 solo albums over the last 10 years. He has played with national artists such as The Bodeans, Gin Blossoms, Landon Pigg, and at festivals with OAR, Tom Petty,Pearl Jam, and many more. Over the years he has opened for local greats Daisy Dillman, GB leighton, Tim Mahoney, Martin Zellar and others.
Jason grew up in a suburb just West of the Twin Cities called Minnetonka. He was born into a very musical family. His uncle Stymie was signed to RCA in the late 70's with his band Daisy Dillman and released 2 very successful albums. Jason's great-grandmother, great-grandfather and grandfather were all members of the KSTP Barn Dance, a very successful radio program of the 40's. Jason's father, Jim Paulson, has also been a staple of the Minneapolis music scene, touring for over 30 years. Jason learned to sing and play his guitar at the young age of 7 and has not put it down since.
Jason is currently working on his 3rd solo CD, this CD is what he calls his "Masterpiece". When asked why he says, "This is my life story, it starts with what most people would consider a tough childhood, then moves on to my dark days of drugs and self destruction then to over coming my demons, finding myself, discovering true love and becoming a father."
With a new clarity on life, unbridled drive and endless talent, Jason promises to produce amazing music in the near future and some stunning live performances! Be sure to catch him while you can.
A few words from Jason: "I would like to thank all of my fans, my family, and my friends for their continued support through the years, without all of them I would not have a music career, words can not express my gratitude."Band/artist history
Grayson Bio:
“This ain’t about being pretty.” That’s the first thing the guys in Grayson will tell you about why they do what they do. This, despite the fact they’re all jaw-droppingly handsome.
Alright, so let’s get real. This is, after all, what Grayson is all about real American music for real American folks. Gristly guys and fiery girls with honest jobs and authentic lives. And if that’s not glamorous enough, consider catchy-as-hell, heartfelt songs about love, lust, broken relationships, breaking relationships, good times, bad times and, well just plain old boozin’ it up.
From beer and whiskey laments to barnburner anthems, Allmans to Waylon, Springsteen to Cash, Grayson embody the very essence of American roots music. Take a dash of soulful Southern harmony, a pinch of razor-sharp musicianship, and a heaping helping of Northwoods grit and you’ve got one of the highest demand headliners on the upper-Midwest live circuit and they’ve maintained a fiercely loyal following, playing thousands of shows for almost the last ten years.
How precisely, pray tell, does that happen? “We started out just wanting to play anywhere, with just a few friends,” says Paulson. “Off the bat, we never shied away from throwing cover songs in side-by-side with our originals. We were proud to choose unique but instantly recognizable songs, then just worked hard to put our own stylistic stamp on them.” That lack of pretension quickly helped them to form and enjoy undeniable rapport with a wide range of audiences, and enthusiastic support for their original material followed naturally, hand-in-hand. Grayson has always aimed to eliminate the line between band and fan, lending a real family feel to the shows; a camaraderie sensed on both sides.
No doubt, audiences also pick up on the chemistry between fellow singer-songwriters Paulson and Gray, who grew up together and have played and written music with one another from early on.
Cutting Their teeth in various garage bands, it was the formation of Grayson that finally afforded them the secret recipe upon which bigger banquets could be built.
Since their inception, Grayson has self-released four EPs and two full-length CDs (accompanied always by rowdy, full-to-capacity release parties), toured throughout the Midwest to the tune of 160 shows on average per year, and shared the stage with dozens of national acts, including The BoDeans, Gin Blossoms and Tom Petty. In 2004, they were named “New Artist of the Year” by Billboard, which included their song, "Shine", on a nationally-distributed compilation. Featured frequently on regional TV and radio, 2008 also saw them winning title of the Cities '97 Basilica Block Party “Best Band in Minnesota”.
With a decade-long tenure and an always-demanding schedule, periodic lineup changes have proven inevitable. But, as Gray enthusiastically offers, “hey, endings lead to new beginnings.” With the recent addition of multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Mark Allen (Shaky Jake), bassist Mark Juenemann (Patrik Tanner & The Faraway Men) and drummer Tony Kamana (GB Leighton), Grayson sport new faces and crisp energy, fused with the core heritage Gray and Paulson helped shape.
Long-time fans haven’t missed a step, and fresh ears are perking up. With their collective musical accomplishments, Grayson are sure to keep feet stomping and libations flowing for as long as a hardearned night-on-the-town can endure it.
Watch out for your gut. That’s where they aim to hit you.
-Jon JamesHave you performed in front of an audience?Yes, all over minnesota. also some reginal touring, have also played mexico and are slated to play in the virgin Islands.
Your musical influences
Willie, waylon, cash, springsteen, allman bros, marshall tucker, skynyrd, bb king, SRV, Clapton, ben harper, lyle lovett, steve earle, cross canadian ragweed, flying borrito brothers, daisy dillman, ray charles, WC handy, bonnie raitt, john prine and so onWhat equipment do you use?
Personally: Custom made strat, fender deluxe amp, and some pedals.Anything else?
We are a foot stomping good time. Most reviews done by people who have seen us live usually start out by saying, if your looking for a good tie you've found it. (seen that more than once) it also is follow by their CD does not do them justice. So if you get a chance you should check us out live.All comments (1)
1,106 plays
10,901 views
10,901 views
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Jason
@jasonpaulson
Hi Jason I found you in the new uploads tonight and listened to "Bed Room Eyes" I really liked this song... Great recording...I'm coming back tomorrow when it is not so late and listen to more music Vonee