Jason Didner - Digital  Carnival
 

Review Happily Written by - John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations - 2023 / 2024

 

 

 

     Jason Didner - Digital Carnival - 2024 Release - jasondidner.com - Knock-Knock Records,LLC

 

 

           From the massive vault that contains New Jersey's incredible pool of distinguished musical talents comes another note-worthy singer-songwriter clamoring for everyone's attention - Jason Didner , hailing from Montclair , New Jersey. Jason has been on the scene for some time now ("You Can't Get There From Here In Jersey" - recognized by "The Asbury Park Press" as one of the " 10 Biggest and Best Songs of 2022 by a New Jersey Artist") releasing music that has been applauded by his fans , and music critics, across the region . Think of the sardonic and oftentimes caustic wit of Elvis Costello and  Warren Zevon ; flavored with the off-kilter zaniness of Weird Al; peppered with the keen observations of folks like John Prine , Jim Croce, Paul Simon; and you have the songwriting of Jason Didner . Blending the music of musical influences like the Smithereens ,Pink Floyd, the Who , Springsteen , Willie Nile , Van Halen, U2 , B B King , among others , Jason has taken inspiration from Wolfgang Van Halen, a remarkable multi-instrumentalist himself , multi-tracking recordings where he performs and records all the vocal and instrumental parts himself . 

            His latest release , " Digital Carnival" , reflects the love-hate relationship that the digital age has brought to the world around us. "It's a conversation about the joys , hazards,and absurdities of our wired world". His lyrics are insightful , funny , and clever,  often times disarming the listener with messages hidden beneath stuff that most people can't express themselves , putting out exactly what people are thinking and feeling. With a Stooges-like poke in the eye or a slap to the head Jason cleverly lets it all loose , keeping a keen sense of humor about the daily ups and down we all go through.  Catchy music with ear-candy hooks , sonically rocking out one minute with ferocious guitar licks ; synth-driven new wave ; a rhythmically mesmerizing blend of reggae , funk , grunge , and singer-songwriter styles that will have you instantly hooked - enjoyment from start to finish from a truly original singer-songwriter and composer . Freshly inventive , "Digital Carnival" ignites sparks of originality from someone uniquely special with talents to spare .

           "I want it ( the music) to make people laugh . I want it to help people make good decisions about their mental health and about their relationships with other people . I want the message to help connect people." - Jason Didner

         Having had the good fortune of seeing Jason Didner perform live , opening up for Willie Nile at Montclair,New Jersey's Outpost in the Burbs , I urge everyone to see this remarkable performer on a stage near you . A guaranteed good time , filled with enormous amounts of fun , awaits you. Check out Jason's concert calendar and make a date to join this  boisterous and jubilant " Digital Carnival" as they pull up a tent near you . Jason also does occasional live feeds that are not-to-be-missed events.

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