Jason James to Take a Break from Music
George Jones once famously asked, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?” Well you’d be hard pressed to find somebody who sounds more similar to The Possum than Jason James does, and he also happens to hail from the outskirts of Houston just like ol’ No Show did. He’s no impersonator though. The songs of Jason James are originals written by his own hand, and his self-titled album for 2015, and his 2019 album Seems Like Tears Ago are important entries into the modern neotraditional catalog.
From Texas City, Jason James was originally signed to New West Records, who notoriously told him he wrote “too much like Hank Williams Sr.” and sounded “too much like George Jones.” Of course, that’s exactly what Jason James was going for, and that relationship didn’t last. Since then he’s been doing it his own way. But doing it your own way in country music is not always easy. That may be one of the reasons why Jason James says he is taking a break from music for the foreseeable future, and shelving an album he was planning to release later this year.
“Unfortunately due to some matters out of my control, our Tulsa Show at Mercury Lounge and Dukes in Indianapolis have been removed for now. It is also with a heavy heart that I have decided to step away from music for personal reasons,” he said on April 20th. “I will however complete my show obligations that I still have in Texas through July but there will be no new bookings for the foreseeable future.”
James is scheduled to play places like The Far Out Lounge in Austin on May 15th, Gruene Hall on May 20th, The White Horse in Austin on July 1st, among other dates. To see his full schedule, Click Here.
“The new album that was scheduled for release this summer will likely be put on hold as well while I attend more personal matters,” James says. “But, I will keep everyone updated on new details … I wanna thank y’all for listening, and for all the new faces I’ve met at our shows along the way. Hopefully in the distant future I can get back to Country music, which I love more than almost anything…but right now I’m taking some time for reflection and to try and sort some things out.”
It’s a very small and select group of today’s country performers who can’t just play country music, but can sing it in a way that reminds you of all the greats of country music’s past. Jason James is one of those select few. Here’s hoping for the positive resolution of his personal issues, and hopefully an eventual return to music that includes the level of attention and support he deserves.
April 23, 2023 @ 10:45 am
That’s a shame. I hope to see him back sooner rather than later.
April 23, 2023 @ 11:07 am
Funny, I was thinking the other day that I hadn’t heard anything new from him in a while.
Hopefully he takes this important time on this sabbatical to deal with life. God bless you Jason!
April 23, 2023 @ 12:26 pm
This is why I love this site. I hadn’t heard of this guy but he’s really good. True, he’s not very original but you can’t say he doesn’t play country music or he doesn’t have a country style. He def sounds like he would put on a good show. Hopefully he decides to get back into it once he figures things out.
April 23, 2023 @ 12:39 pm
cancel out of state dates, but “complete…[local concert] obligations…in Texas…?”
In my day job, that’s how you keep custody / visitation issues in a position of strength.
April 23, 2023 @ 12:51 pm
Bummer!
April 23, 2023 @ 1:48 pm
I’m very sorry to hear that. However, life’s gotta come first, – so I hope he can sort out the personal issues (whatever they are), and then get back to music in time.
About five or so years ago, I was very much looking forward to seeing him in the UK (where I live), but the proposed tour got cancelled for some reason.
Anyway, all the best to him: I very much enjoy his music.
April 23, 2023 @ 3:18 pm
Put your music our anyway. Us true country music fans could use some good country. We have a few new ones that are good. Alan anr George said it best in a song….
There’s been a murder on music row.
April 23, 2023 @ 5:58 pm
Let me guess. no one is going to randomly say things about motherhood being incompatible with country music in this article’s comments, though the situation is probably similar to the one where that random comment happened the other day just because the other person who took a break was a woman (who doesn’t have kids as far as I know).
I’m really sad he’s putting the album on hold but in the meantime Ill be playing the hell out of his existing ones.
April 23, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Well, this is very disappointing. I’ve been trying to catch a show from him for several years now. My wife and I go to the Hill Country once a year and try to catch as many of these guys as we can for the week we are there. Seems like he is always around the week before or the week after we are there. Case in point, we are going to catch Randall King at Greune Hall next month but Jason will be playing Austin the week before. I believe Jody Booth has called it quits too recently and hated to hear that news as well.
April 23, 2023 @ 6:42 pm
We love Jason and wish him the best. Thank you for bringing attention to this local Houston great, even as he takes a step back to focus on personal needs.
April 23, 2023 @ 7:55 pm
I Was able see James at the Montgomery Music and Mudbugs Festival in 2021. I loved his style — musically as well as his stage outfit. Both very retro. Following his set he signed my poster. I wish him well.
April 23, 2023 @ 10:18 pm
A quick update: After this article was posted, Jason James posted a more lengthy explanation of why he’s walking away from music.
“The truth of the matter is that anyone that really knows my name knows I like a drink…or two. Sometimes one too many. I think a lot of this stems from me being a normally shy and private person in most cases of my life along with some personal family violence as a child that I still grapple with to this day. But, playing live over the years has created a tug of war for my emotional well being…It’s lead to some pretty rowdy behavior…and just about anyone in the business will likely have at least one story on such an instance. Some people find that behavior romantic and part of the story. I don’t however. It’s embarrassing to me to not recall periods of my life because I was practically blacked out for weeks at a time. It all becomes such a mess…
Another, and possibly the most important thing, is that I’ve missed huge milestones in my kids lives because I am on the road or coming off of shows and sick and/or still drinking. I would win no father of the year awards I assure you. So, I need a break from the craziness. I’m about to be 38 years old and I’d like to settle down and be a dad. I have a nice house I’m renovating and the pressure of playing live keeps my troubles at the forefront. At home I can just concentrate on the things that matter.”
You can read more here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=691626136304788&set=a.623262949807774
April 24, 2023 @ 5:59 am
I’m not a touring musician, so I can’t say I can relate directly to Jason here, but I worked at a career that had changing shifts and often long hours. I can’t remember how many birthdays, holidays, and other important dates I missed to work. Or how many times I had to tell my kids I couldn’t make it to some activity of theirs due to my schedule . I know how it feels to find yourself almost an outsider from your own family as they go about a normal life without you around. Add excessive alcohol to this mix and it’s a recipe for for family failure.
Hope Jason takes the time he needs to reevaluate his priorities and find some balance in his life. Your children only grow up once, and your spouse will only support you for so long. As you grow older you realize there is nothing more important than your family. Good for him for not realizing it too late.
April 24, 2023 @ 4:47 pm
Thank you for the kind words, Trigger. And thank you to all the fans that have been so supportive. I just need to regroup and hopefully come back stronger than ever.
April 24, 2023 @ 4:56 pm
Get better bud. You don’t get a second chance to be a dad to your kids. I admire you for making what had to be a hard choice.
April 28, 2023 @ 8:05 pm
Take care Jason your music has blessed my household since I first heard you sing. But your personal life is and must be first. I hope it all works out for you
April 27, 2023 @ 2:17 pm
I’ve had those battles myself , so I understand quite well. A person’s health mental and physical is a type of wealth no amount of money can buy.
Best wishes
Serums down the road
Mitch
April 28, 2023 @ 8:04 pm
This one just tears at my heart. His music is Country Music, not many can even come close. I sure hope he puts this one last album out at least.
May 26, 2023 @ 3:58 am
Love your music but definitely take care of yourself and spend time with your family nothing is more important than them. Be praying for you.
August 11, 2023 @ 11:52 pm
Hopefully things will resolve themselves and you will be able to do what you love. I just discovered you two years ago and instantly fell in love with your music. Your music reminded me of what county music was. All the best and praying for you . Hope to see you soon