Episode 29 - Jason Carter - 33 Years, A Million Miles & A New Beginning
What's The Reason For This Podcast · What's The Reason For This Podcast
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Show Notes
In this electrifying episode, we sit down with the legendary Jason Carter – six-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year 🎻, Grammy Award-winning artist 🏆, and longtime member of the Del McCoury Band & Travelin' McCourys 🎶. After 33 years, Jason has made the life-changing decision to embark on his own musical journey, and he’s here to tell us all about it!
🔹 From Dream to Reality: Jason takes us back to his teenage years, when he first discovered the Del McCoury Band and boldly declared he’d one day play with them. Fast forward to age 19, and he’s standing on stage with his fiddle, making that dream a reality! He shares his audition experience, the nerves, and the moment Del gave him the job.
🔹 Epic Performances & Career Highlights: Over the years, Jason has played every iconic bluegrass venue imaginable, but some of his most memorable moments include: ✨ Jamming onstage with Phish 🎸 in front of 80,000 fans at Oswego – and an unexpected banjo vs. fiddle showdown with Rob McCoury! ✨ Bonnaroo madness 🎪 – playing to an absolutely packed tent of roaring fans who discovered the magic of bluegrass. ✨ Breaking records at the Strawberry Festival 🍓 – an impromptu jam session that went on longer than Sam Bush’s record! ✨ Late-night TV & Grammy wins 🏆 – taking bluegrass to new heights with appearances on national television and major award stages.
🔹 Bluegrass vs. Jam Scene: Jason breaks down the differences between traditional bluegrass festivals (think whittling old-timers and moonshine sippers 🪵🥃) vs. the high-energy jam band crowds (think glowsticks and rail-riders 🎆). He shares how both worlds embraced his music and how he learned to thrive in both.
🔹 Going Solo – The Big Decision: After decades of dedicating his life to Del McCoury and the Travelin' McCourys, Jason opens up about the difficult yet exciting decision to step out on his own. He shares how his 2023 solo album reignited his passion for performing his own music, how he broke the news to Del & the band, and what’s next for him.
🔹 New Music & What’s Next 🎶 Jason gives us a sneak peek into his highly anticipated new album with Michael Cleveland 🎻🔥, talks about his evolving sound, and even hints at TWO MORE solo records in the works! Plus, he reflects on what it feels like to finally be in control of his schedule and creative direction after so many years on the road.
🔥 This episode is packed with heart, humor, and the magic of bluegrass. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering Jason’s incredible talent, this is a must-listen!
📅 New music drops this Friday! Don’t miss it! 🎶🎻