Brian Jarvis grew up in the typical New England town of Manchester, Connecticut, but it took a trip to Tennessee to point him in the sonic direction he’s found on his new EP, The Nashville Sessions. From spending time in the music-soaked city and learning from seasoned locals, like producer Jay Franz, Jarvis’ catchy pop-rock sound has evolved to include a distinctly Nashville-born attitude and feel. His sound draws comparisons to the likes of John Mayer, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Mat Kearney ...
Brian Jarvis grew up in the typical New England town of Manchester, Connecticut, but it took a trip to Tennessee to point him in the sonic direction he’s found on his new EP, The Nashville Sessions. From spending time in the music-soaked city and learning from seasoned locals, like producer Jay Franz, Jarvis’ catchy pop-rock sound has evolved to include a distinctly Nashville-born attitude and feel. His sound draws comparisons to the likes of John Mayer, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Mat Kearney (whose guitarist Tyler Burkum plays on The Nashville Sessions) thanks to carefully constructed song arrangements that pay off with a seemingly endless supply of hooks — it’s a familiar pop formula, but with an indie edge that sets it apart.
Jarvis’ band has evolved with his music over the years, but has finally settled into a comfortable groove with Dan Fortin on electric guitar, Jon Coates on bass and Jim Townsend on the drum throne. This determined lineup hit the road supporting Sister Hazel in early 2010, and hasn’t looked back since. They’ve also shared stages with The Last Goodnight, O.A.R. and Matt Nathanson and have already been known to play over 200 shows per year. The plan is to tour exhaustively and build a fan base the only way they know how — by giving their audience all they’ve got, every single night.
Lyrically, the new EP delves deeper into Jarvis’ personal life than his previous record Honestly, with tales of heartbreak, the parting of ways with friends and the devastating loss of his own father. But that’s not to say it’s a dark record. There’s an optimism that shines through throughout.
The track “On and On” exemplifies the melancholy mood the lyrics set:
“She waits for something to hold on to, on and on away from you.”
It’s more honest and emotional than most of what you hear on the radio, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more radio-friendly sound. Times have been tough, but an exciting road lies ahead for Brian Jarvis.
show more...
