The Jason Daniels Band pulls from another realm with an inimitable blend of American Roots Music,
seamlessly blurring the lines between psychedelic rock, funk, latin & blues.
JASON DANIELS
Mississippi-based and California-bred, Jason Daniels, the band's frontman and songwriter, has music coursing through his veins, a legacy inherited from a family steeped in musical tradition. Raised in the picturesque Napa Valley town of St. Helena, California. Daniels was inspired by his uncles, George and Paul Richey, both revered figures in the Nashville music scene. George Richey penned hits such as "The Grand Tour" and "A Picture of Me Without You" and was famously married to country music legend Tammy Wynette.
At the age of 8, Daniels picked up his first guitar, and by 12, he had already written his inaugural song. This early immersion in music set the stage for a lifetime of creativity and songwriting.
Jason Daniels' journey led him to Nashville, where he recorded his debut album, Dashboard Visions and Rearview Reflections (October 2013), at The Bomb Shelter. Praised by Maverick Magazine as "full of soul and grit" and described by The Vail Daily as "music that makes you want to experience life to its fullest," the album showcased Daniels' passion for storytelling through song.
In 2012, the artist relocated to Jackson, Mississippi, seeking to immerse himself in the city's rich musical culture and history. "I wanted to breathe the air and drink the water,” says Daniels referring to his move to “The City with Soul”. There, he continued to hone his craft, resulting in his second studio album, Downloads From The Universe (July 2020), recorded at the legendary Malaco Studios. This uplifting release, drew accolades from Take Effect Reviews as "a breath of fresh air" and from Jeff Burger as "loose, spontaneous, and reminiscent of 1970s LPs from acts like the Grateful Dead and Delaney and Bonnie." In 2021, the band released the single Mystery Train, further solidifying their place in the roots/indie/jam music scene.
The Jason Daniels Band returned to touring in 2022, thrilling fans across the Western United States. In July 2023, the Ramblin' Tour's first leg, included memorable performances in Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. After these successful shows, the band took a brief break from touring to focus on recording new material, further fueling their creative fire. In October, they're back on the road for the second leg of the tour, bringing their signature blend of soul, psychedelic rock, country, blues, and funk to even more fans in Colorado, Utah, and California. Check out their tour schedule here.
Mattie Ballard
Mattie Ballard’s love for the drums was sparked at an early age, inspired by her father, a drummer himself. Growing up, she would watch him practice, and when he saved up for his own kit, she eagerly joined in. Her dad’s influence on her musical journey is undeniable—he introduced her to legendary bands like Led Zeppelin, Alice in Chains, TOOL, and Black Sabbath, setting the foundation for her diverse musical taste. When Mattie moved out, her father gifted her the same drum kit, a symbol of their shared passion.
A pivotal moment in Mattie’s life came two years ago when her father met the band during a motorcycle trip. After attending one of their shows, Mattie found herself captivated by their music. Little did she know, this admiration would turn into an opportunity when Jason reached out, asking if she wanted to join the band. Now, after moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Jackson, MS, Mattie has become an essential part of the group.
Mattie’s influences range from classic rock’s John Bonham to modern drummers like Larnell Lewis and Danny Carey. She also draws inspiration from Rick Rubin's creative philosophies, which have deepened her connection to music.
When she’s not behind the drum kit, Mattie finds solace in nature, whether backpacking, horseback riding, or exploring the mountains. Guided by the philosophy of creating from a place of authenticity, Mattie lives by a favorite quote from Robert Henri: “The object isn’t to make art, it’s to be in the wonderful state which makes art inevitable.”
Kirby Eargle
Kirby didn’t pick up the bass guitar until the age of 23, but once he saw Victor Wooten in concert, there was no turning back. That performance ignited his passion for the instrument, and he quickly developed his own groove. His early musical influences came from his dad’s record collection, filled with iconic artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, and David Bowie, giving him a solid foundation in rock and eclectic sounds.
His journey with the band began when Jason heard about him through a mutual friend, leading to an evolving musical relationship. Now, Kirby is most excited about the music they have yet to create and the experiences that lie ahead as they continue their journey on the road.
Musically, he brings an open mind and a keen ear, always contributing his opinion on what sounds right to him.
His current influences include funk legends like James Brown, P-Funk, Galactic, and Soulive, as well as the laid-back, bluesy grooves of JJ Cale, all of which inform his distinctive playing style.
When he’s not laying down bass lines, you’ll find Kirby outdoors, kayaking & camping,
