Jason Didner and the GSPs

Jason Didner and the GSPs - "Asbury Heart" - Jason Didner - Asbury Heart

Singles released from “Asbury Heart”

Come Across the Tracks (feat. ROSTAFA)
Dear Faye (feat. Diego Allessandro)
Deliver Me from Nowhere
D.I.Y. (feat. Jon Caspi - from - Jon Caspi and the First Gun)

Looking at Asbury Park today, you would be hard-pressed to imagine what the city resembled just a few short decades ago. The once vibrant boardwalk where I visited as a child had deteriorated into a sadly forgotten place: a city of vacant, dilapidated buildings—an empty and forgotten stretch where "Tilly"—that large, grinning, playful emblem with the exaggerated smile and mischievous expression, now wore a weeping and sorrowful face. It is hard to believe that Asbury was once such an iconic destination that, in 1969, Led Zeppelin chose to play a show here instead of - can you believe this?—Woodstock! Asbury Park is where the West Side, across the railroad tracks that divide this historic shore town—especially Springwood Avenue—became the epicenter of cultural and musical expression for the African American community. It is here that you would find blues and jazz legends performing, such as Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and many more. On one side of the tracks, you could hear some of the best jazz and blues; on the other, outstanding pure rock and roll was playing.

The Stone Pony opened in 1970 and this part of the city refused to roll over and die, becoming the center of a vibrant music scene filled with popular clubs such as The Fast Lane, The Upstage Club, Wonder Bar, The Saint, and so many more.

Decades later, the Asbury Park music scene is eclectic and vibrant—whirling splashes of effervescent colors that blend genres without hesitation. Asbury Park has become a place where music isn't just in big venues anymore, but part of the boardwalk's bars, restaurants, galleries, pop-up gigs, and huge beach festivals. Asbury has a musical heartbeat all its own, with a raw energy that's hard to replicate elsewhere. In Asbury Park, the city's musical identity blends rock's grassroots energy with soul's deep roots and jazz's improvisational spirit. Here, we find a unique and incredible musical crossroads, where gospel, jazz, rhythm and blues, rock, country, blues, punk, rap, and hip hop hang together without fear or hesitation. The Asbury Park music scene - the arts scene- has a shared vision and a collaborative spirit where everyone contributes their unique voice.

"Asbury Heart," from gifted singer-songwriter and Montclair, New Jersey native Jason Didner is a celebration of this city's community resilience, cultural energy, and dynamic defiance. Jason Didner has created an album where the songs connect and characters are brought to life. Jason's album is a musical soundtrack to a city that has risen like the phoenix, a finger raised defiantly into the heavens. "Asbury Heart" colorfully brings to life the musicians,misfits,and believers who never gave up—those rebellious hellraisers who crossed the tracks and brought musicians together,creating the iconic "Jersey Shore Sound." Jason Didner and his creative partners gift us with a wonderful soundtrack, spanning the Asbury Park soundscape, punk, soul, reggae, and heartland rock all poured together—a fabulous treat much like the Rum Cake Milkshakes and Watermelon Margaritas enjoyed at this lively and energetic shore town. "Asbury Heart" is filled with the same passionate, intimate energy that defined Asbury Park in the 1970's and 1980's. Every song is magical, bringing together raw, authentic instrumentation and heartfelt performances. Musical surprises await you: a melody, a groove, a particular sound that transports you to the front stage of "The Pony" or the "Wonder Bar" - a wild, unforgettable celebration where the performers' constant, infectious energy makes you feel as if you are part of the show.

Special mention goes to the inspired and spirited take on that Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes classic, "I Don't Want to Go Home," which becomes a wonderful, hard-to-resist reggae-spiked afternoon on the beach.

Also check out the powerful indie-rock anthem "DIY", filled with powerful rhythms and iconic fiery guitar riffs.

"Asbury Heart" will inspire you and fill you with joy!

Jason Didner is back to making records with a band, and this is Jason's first time doing so from his home studio in Montclair, New Jersey. "Asbury Heart" is a true band collaboration: Leah Fox, the drummer, anchors nearly every track and the cast of extraordinary duet partners include ROSTAFA, Diego Allesandro, Carol Lester, Kevin McGowan, and Jon Caspi. This record celebrates community and independence, creativity and defiance—all important building blocks of the Asbury Park music scene. The shared passion for the music and songs comes through on every track, making them enjoyably addictive.

Jason Didner is a Montclair, New Jersey-based singer/songwriter, bandleader, and producer. His comical original song "You Can't Get There from Here in Jersey," enjoyed airplay on NPR's "Car Talk" program and was included in Asbury Park Press' 10 best songs of 2022. Jason has opened for Willie Nile at the Outpost in the Burbs concert series, often performs in Asbury Park, and plays at many venues near his Montclair home. Please check out Jason's numerous live feeds: solo performances, performances with his multi-talented bandmates, and performances at various festivals throughout New Jersey. Better yet - go check out Jason Didner LIVE at a venue near you. He always brings the fun and the energy. and delivers good times to every performance space with his wonderful sense of humor that frames each and every one of his original songs.

Review Written with thunderous applause - John Muller

Blue Notes and Conversations - raymondmuller567.wixsite.com/blue-notes-and-con-1

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Blue Notes and Conversations

Jason Didner and the GSPs

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