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a note from jason thomas
Like many, I first heard Claire Lynch’s singing back in the early 1980’s on The Front Porch String Band’s landmark project. I instantly became a fan, and have followed Claire and the band’s music ever since. Flash ahead twenty-five or so years, and I found myself seated in a room at Missy Raines’ house in Nashville, surrounded by my heroes Missy, Jim Hurst, and Claire: “the audition!” It was a surreal experience, to say the least. As Claire put it, “From the first note together, it felt like "home" . . . groove is prevalent and we find ourselves moving to new musical levels.” I got the gig!
So I jumped right in, touring all over North America, even to Europe, hitting many major festivals along the way. What an experience! It was gratifying to be in a group of this caliber, striving at every performance to maintain excellence and improve the music. As band members Missy and Jim moved on, I had the honor of working with another of my musical heroes, Mark Schatz, as well as the unbelievably talented Matt Wingate.
Now, four and a half years, thousands of miles, and two recording projects later, I find myself thinking about home and family, and realigning my priorities. I must thank my family for their love and support, but especially, my wife Beth, my 8 year old son Jacob, and my parents, for holding down the fort here at home and allowing me to pursue my musical endeavors. Beth has always supported me 110%, and as a talented designer, contributed countless favors to the band, from tweaking photos, to designing t-shirts and the “Watcha Gonna Do CD” cover. Thanks for everything you have done!
What’s next for me? I will continue to play music, much as I have the past twenty-eight years or so, playing in many bands, mostly here in Florida. I will continue to do recording sessions here in town, remote tracking at my home studio, more producing, and possibly even some teaching. My first student will be my son, Jacob! I was about his age when my dad first taught me how to play mandolin. It will be a refreshing change to be home so much more!
I have met and become friends with many good people during my time with the band, and I hope you will keep in touch. The CLB is in very good hands with master musician Bryan McDowell, and I look forward to hearing him with the band! I will miss many things about the CLB, but the thing I will always cherish the most is the music.
Respectfully,
Jason Thomas
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