Best Tracks and Side Tracks 1979 - 2007

Lost Highway
May 2008
by Steve Averill
It has been said, not least by Jason himself, that he is not the world’s greatest singer or guitarist. That opinion undermines his strengths and charisma as a performer and as a songwriter. This compilation of his solo career highlights, rerecording of earlier songs, rarities and a smattering of live tracks are testament to his strengths and skills. He is a recognisable and distinctive singer and a songwriter who has always had his roots in traditional country music while never loosing sight of what is happening musically around him. Neither should the very major contribution of George Bradfute be overlooked they have, who along with a number of excellent contributors, forged a musical bedrock that Jason built on and explored. He is also a songwriter who can take a specific theme (often historical) and create a song that lives and breathes. Here we have such examples as Chief Joseph’s Last Dream and Tuskegee Pride. There are the songs written for his daughters Camille and Addie Rose, which are tender and true.There are outside songs such as Born To Run, written by Paul Kennerly or Rainbow Stew from Merle Haggard’s pen as well as the previously unreleased version of Tom T Hall’s Who’s Gonna Feed Them Hogs? As well as his own career highlights such as songs previously recorded with the Scorchers Broken Whiskey Glass and Bible And A Gun – a duet with co-writer Steve Earle. Thirty tracks for his thirty years as a professional singer and country/punk innovator. Jason Ringenberg deserves his place in the spotlight, even if he performs on a smaller stage. Here’s to the next thirty Jason.