It's one thing for a musician to be on NPR. But to get a five-minute interview because you started a hilarious Twitter fight with a guy whose voice you lampooned, All Things Considered host Guy Raz? Now that's just genius.
Which pretty much sums up local music phenom Jon Reid (aka Jar-e). From dark, blue-eyed soul to bouncy, Latin-grooved jazz, the multi-instrumentalist crooner (and part-time comedian) has a knack for writing some damn catchy pop songs. Just check out the tune “Plot” from his latest release, Blood of the Summer, which even Guy Raz admits he loves.
Not one to slow down, Jar-e’s already finishing up his next record, Reverb and Tambourine (slated for October). He’ll also appear on the upcoming stephaniesid album, for which he co-wrote a few songs with frontwoman Stephanie Morgan. And to top it all off, he’s now hosting one of the highest-rated shows on local internet radio station Asheville FM, Race to the Bottom, a self-described mix of “music, comedy and tragedy.” Watch out, Guy Raz!
Hey Jon Reid, what’s your spin?
Listening to now: I've been delving deep into ‘90s R&B and hip-hop jams, and playing them on my radio show. Shanice, En Vogue, Urban Dance Squad, old Ice Cube, and of course, Wu-Tang Clan.
Most recent album/song bought: I eagerly bought the new Gillian Welch record, The Harrow & The Harvest, the moment it came out. It is dark and heartfelt. I've gotten to hang with her and her partner David Rawlings. They are truly kind, gentle people.
First album ever bought: First record, Whitney Houston’s "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" single. First cassette, The Best of the Monkees. First CD, U2’s Joshua Tree.
Most recent concert attended: I saw Jason Krekel's amazing surf-rock outfit, The Krektones, play on a porch at a punk/old-time party by a river in the middle of nowhere. They might be the most fun band in the history of music.
First concert ever attended: My first show was James Taylor. I was about 7 and went with my older brother. I was a huge James Taylor fan as a kid. My favorite song was called "Mona," which was about the death of his pet pig.
Favorite local/regional act: I'd have to say Floating Action. I can't believe we have Seth Kauffman as a part of our local scene. He is a truly world-class artist. I'm also a huge fan of stephaniesid, Angi West, The Secret B Sides and Mad Tea Party.
Favorite band/artist of all time: John Coltrane.
Guilty pleasures: Actually, I'm recording a covers record of my guilty pleasures in my bedroom studio. Basically easy listening, power pop ballads from the 80s and 90s. I'm doing songs by George Michael, Roxette, Toto, Sting, etc.
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