Jason Robert is back sans Stone Stanley. His latest album, aptly titled The Death of Stone Stanley, provides a look into the man as a solo act. But first, for those not up on all their indie artists, a bit of background on the artist in question.

Jason Robert

Jason Robert is a singer-songwriter and musician. The recent. former frontman of Stone Stanley is based in Apple Valley, California. He is often deeply inspired by his treks into the Mojave High Desert.

It was there that he finely forged his somber signature sound which is a musical mix of Americana, 1930s delta blues, and 1990s grunge rock. He just calls it “Mudstomp music.” He favors the likes of Chris Cornell, Blind Willie Johnson, Mark Lanegan, and Mississippi Fred McDowell.

The Death of Stone Stanley

This pensive platter is honest, and oft’times shadowed and emotional. On this disc, Robert handles production, lead vocals, guitars, drums and kalimba. He is backed by Scott Longnecker on bass.

Track by track

The 12-track album opens on the heavy-handed yet purposeful “Someday.” As ever, his vocals remain deep and gruff on this song about living and life in the hereafter.

“Soul of a Man” is a noteworthy cover of a song by Blind Willie Johnson. Robert plays what sounds like a Gretsch resonator here which complements his where those dark, soulful vocals work.

“All I Need” lightens the mood a bit. Still, if you pay attention to the lyrics, he is posing an important question. If all he needs is a few of nature’s free gifts, why is it that you think you need more?

“Mr. Bell” returns us to the dark side. Here Robert presents a folk song about the villainous banker Lester F. Bell and the rumored haunted mining town of Bodie, California. It’s a disturbing song of a decaying phantom town.

“Moonshiner” is a traditional piece that Robert arranged for this release. It features Jim McComas on harmonica and guitar. Robert makes the song his own and one can’t help but wonder if he plays this live in little, smokey bars, how do people respond?

“You Gotta Move” is another perhaps more spiritual traditional piece that Robert arranged for himself. Oddly, while your rough writer would not know where else to put it, it still seems somewhat overshadowed by the previous piece.

“Good Vibes” provides an aural pallet cleanser. It’s slightly more upbeat. It includes a reggae-like guitar riff that some might claim is nigh out of place. In truth, the listener needs this song right here where it is. Well played, sir.

“Sat Around” is an introspective audio offering proves that Robert has an interest in not only questioning others but in questioning himself as well. Sit around and take it all in.

“Never Gonna Die” follows. It serves as yet another example of what Robert can do when he gets down to it. It’s also a great precursor to the next number.

“John the Revelator” is the second Blind Willie Johnson cover. Again, Robert works to make it stand out and to make it his own while still being true to the original. It includes an effective solo by McCormack.

“Hereafter” is perhaps overlooked by some of the critics. Nevertheless, it certainly earns its place on the playlist.

“Woke Up This Morning” one final cover of a traditional spiritual. Once again he manages to make it his own without betraying the core.

Overall, this is an exceptional compilation of both Robert’s own eclectic original offerings and favored classics. Robert not only tells tuneful tales but more significantly poses questions about the world in which we live. His sometimes seemingly simple songs focus on personal perspectives and encourage introspection as well. So pour yourself a shot and ponder over Jason Robert’s The Death of Stone Stanley and discover why this music is “Never Gonna Die.”

(All media courtesy of original owners)