Review- Jake Stringer: Just Happy To Be Here
“I truly believe that me and my crew have put together a story that deserves to be heard, regardless of the constraints of radio, playlists, social media, and mass advertising.
As if that’s not enough to convince you, there’s fiddle on it, too.”
On September 20th, Jake Stringer posted a five-part missive on his socials, from which the above quote was taken. It was a 15 year retrospective of his life, chronicling some of the ups, downs, and triumphs and lean times as a working musician, culminating in the release of his first full-length album. On September 22nd, Jake dropped Just Happy To Be Here, ten original songs that range from honky-tonk jams to sing-along anthems to love (and not so much) songs.
The record opens with a single picker sliding across frets into a riff in a key that lets you know we’re about to find some trouble. “Setting Fires to See The Light” is a “sorry not sorry” song about an everyman who “didn’t get these scars from fallin’ over in church.” He knows he’s done some folks dirty, but he also knows that he has only done what he had to do. While this might seem like a bit of a downer to open an album, it is most certainly not. In fact, the lyrics and tempo make this a stand up and sing song, get a dance partner while you’re on your feet. Jake tells me that “the fiddle solo on ‘Setting Fires...’ might be my favorite 30 seconds on the whole album.” This is easily one of my favorite songs on JHTBH, and I can absolutely see my friends and I raising a glass at a show and singing along to every word. Loudly. And probably out of tune. Sorry, not sorry, Jake.
A few tracks in, you’ll find another sing-along that’s also another of my personal favorites: “Tulsa in the Rearview.” This number just oozes honky-tonk in the best possible ways, from the opening groove to the foot-stomping beat to the head-bobbing bass line to Jake’s strong baritone telling a story about leaving a woman. There is some fantastic musicianship on display here, and with every listen, another layer to this arrangement reveals itself, especially the instrumental solos that sound like the very definition of contemporary honky-tonk. I think that “Tulsa” might be the barn-burner on this album, but give it a listen and decide for yourself.
“Lone Coyote” is a song that likens the life of the namesake savvy and adaptable canine to the life of an independent artist - fighting for everything he’s got. Fighting to get it, fighting to keep it, fighting to live. Jake says “I really think ‘Lone Coyote’ sums up the premise of my music career pretty well, and rounds out the theme of the album.” The most personal song on the album for Jake is “The Well,” a song that remembers the way things used to be “back before it all went to hell, before I ever noticed my reflection in the water, and threw all of my quarters in The Well.”
A standout deep cut on this album is “Don’t Let the Fire Die.” The upbeat music is a beautifully produced backing for a love letter to someone waiting at home. There’s a voyeuristic feeling when listening to it, like you’ve accidentally walked within earshot of a late-night, almost tearful, phone call to home from the drivers’ lounge at a truckstop. If you’ve ever had (or been) a loved one on the road, deployed overseas, or some other far-flung place that is not by your side at night, I highly recommend getting this song into your earholes, and sooner rather than later... Maybe bring a tissue. It’s that good.
I asked Jake about releasing the record on the DBPC [Death Before Pop Country] label, and how he got acquainted with their team. He said: “I’ve dug what Scott’s [Youtsey] doing for a long time. His art is amazing, and what he’s built with DBPC is awesome. I did a solo set at the Tulsa State Fair on their (badass pontoon boat) stage a few years back and really got a glimpse of what they were up to. Then they dropped some of the stuff with J.R. Carroll, Cody Lee Meece, Wyatt Baker and some of the others, and I thought, “Mannnn, we oughta get together on something… We brought the album to ‘em, and luckily they were down to put their name on it and help us run with it.”
In spite of the DBPC connection, this record could have the honky-tonks and tourist bars on Lower Broadway asking for Jake, and once upon a time, he considered it.
“...right at the beginning. I had been touring a lot on drums and had some great gigs going, but I had started thinking I wanted to go out to Nashville and see what I could get into. I had friends out there, and thought it might be the right time to try it. I started selling everything that I didn’t need to get gigs, started looking for jobs, and started getting things lined out to make the move. In the process of all that, my dad passed away. In a way, I felt like all my priorities changed…”
While Jake did not end up going to Nashville, he did continue to press on with his musical journey. Among those he credits for catalyst moments that motivated him are fellow Missourians and musical artists, Porter Union: “Most of the people I was playing drums for were very instrumental in me having the confidence to chase the whole songwriter thing. People like Cole and Kendra Porter had my back more than I had my own a lot of times. They needed a drummer, but they pushed and believed in me as a songwriter.”
Jake and the band continue to tour “The Midwest and Beyond,” bringing his brand to venues on the independent artist circuit. He’s a regular player at such venerable institutions as Southbound Bar & Grill in Springfield, Missouri, and Buck’s Bar & Grill (a.k.a. The Only Bar in Venice, Nebraska). In fact, when I asked about Jake, Buck Bennett said, “He's a regular here like Jinks, Whitey, Charles... who's overdue on his turn to step up to the next level.”
That’s a vote of confidence underscoring that Jake has done a lot of growing in these 15-odd-years, and this album is taking that step up. It is a journey through his trials and tribulations as a musician, a songwriter, a father, and a human. If you’ve followed him at all on this path, you know that he credits his team of family, friends, and fans for major contributions to his hard-won successes. This album is a success and a testament to chasing your dreams, developing your talent, and putting in the work night after night... and it shows. Jake told me, “I might be rambling a little, but damn I’m thankful for so many things that landed me where I am today.”
I asked Jake about his dream jam today (Sunday), with the only limitation being five artists. He replied “I’m playing drums. Jack White on guitar, Lemmy on bass. Charlie Daniels on fiddle. Mickey Rafael shows up with a brown paper sack full of harmonicas. Everybody’s singin’ and we’re jammin’ on Buck Owens songs. This is my Sunday lineup. Could be totally different tomorrow.”
I have a feeling that no matter when, where, or who, Jake’s just going to be happy to be there.
And I’d lay down good folding money that there will be a fiddle there, too.
Just Happy To Be Here is available now where you stream music.
Find out more about Jake Stringer at the links below:
