Jason Davis was born in Ford, central Virginia. He grew up listening to bluegrass with his uncle. Davis started his career at the age of 14 with Michelle Nixon & Drive. Later, he toured with Blueridge, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice, and The Highland Travelers. Jason also toured and recorded with the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band and appeared on their album, Tell Someone.
In 2009, Jason received an International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Nomination for Instrumental Album of the Year for his first solo record titled Steppin’ Out. He has since become one of the most respected and sought-after banjo players on the bluegrass circuit, performing his unique style influenced by Earl Scruggs and J.D. Crowe.
In 2021, he released the singles “Modern Day Jezebel” and “Working Hard Ain’t Hardly Working Anymore.” Daniel Salyer wrote “Working Hard Ain’t Hardly Working Anymore” and provided lead vocals. Jason, a member of The Dan Tyminski Band, brought in Tyminski on guitar; Adam Steffey on mandolin; Shawn Lane on tenor vocals; Grace Davis on bass; and Stephen Burwell on fiddle.
“Junior Sisk used to sing this tune a lot when I was in his band, and he always sang the fire out of it! I always loved the song,” explained Davis. “So, I thought it’d be fun to cut and for people to hear the writer Daniel Salyer’s take on singing it. Once we got it cut and Daniel and Shawn put their vocals on it, it really came to life and would be a good follow-up single.”
While he’s not on touring, Davis teaches banjo in the Bluegrass, Old Time, & Country Music Studies program at East Tennessee State University and giving private lessons.
Discography:
Steppin’ Out (Pinecastle Records, 2007)
Second Time Around (Mountain Fever Records, 2013)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.