Tue 7/16 @ 7PM
Jason White made his reputation locally as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and chief songwriter for the Janglers in the late ’80s and early-mid 90s.
After the band ran its course, White moved to Nashville to launch a solo career.
There, lightning struck in one of those ways you can’t plan. A cover of a song called “Red Ragtop,” which appeared on his 2001 solo album Shades of Gray, became a huge hit for Tim McGraw. The royalties freed White to pursue his muse in whatever direction it took — or didn’t take.
He’s spent more time pursuing life than releasing music. He hasn’t been that prolific. But his most recent album, 2011’s The Longing, contains more of his finely crafted songwriting, flowing from the Americana roots-rock reservoir that fueled the Janglers but infinitely more personal.
And “Red Ragtop” is more relevant than ever today, in this recent explosion of attacks on women’s reproductive choice. In it, the male protagonist reflects on a youthful romance, an unplanned pregnancy, and the choice of an abortion. Alas, it would be impossible in today’s climate to air such a song expressing a complex welter of feelings without moralizing or judgment.
It’s reflective of White’s songwriting in general, painting situations and emotions with an unflinching directness that doesn’t resort to facile cliches. He’s not a songwriter suited for today’s country music, which is all about facile cliches. It’s a shame he doesn’t release more of his music.
He doesn’t perform much either. But he does come back home occasionally to grace us with a performance, like the one he’ll be doing at Nighttown this week.
Tickets are $20.
http://www.jasonwhitemusic.com/