Sounding like Bo Ramsey's younger, greener brother, Jason is good -- damn good, and his debut release Highway is very likeable. Reed's gut-level country and southern rock style, blended with strong blue collar lyrics really works. Both the music and lyrics are such a superb complement to each other that it's a joy to listen to. John Hiatt, John Mellencamp and Steve Earle all come to mind as influences.

Reed's introspective ballads like "Cowboy in the Rain" are smooth and enticing. His bouncy, mid-tempo romps are high-lighted with simple names like "Plain Jane" and "Clarence Jones." And as the catchy opener "Highway" suggests, many of Jason's tunes are born on the road. He's a dedicated performer who travels all over the Midwest and has gone as far as Nashville to peddle his wares.

Let's hope that one of the many doors he's knocked on will open because Reed's music deserves all the airplay it can get.

Recorded at Junior's Motel, Jason gets excellent support in the studio by Ky Haub (drums), Mike Sornson (bass) and guitarist/producer Brad Heck, who lays down some mighty fine guitar pickin'. This is real roots country rock like back in the old days. Stay true Jason, and you're gonna go a long way!

Randy VanHosen - Muse News