Jonathan Terrell defines the next generation of Texas music. Pushing past the conventions of the singer/songwriter genre, the Longview-born lyricist possesses a style of writing that is sincere, introspective, and sometimes mischievous. Writing since a teen, Terrell has explored every corner and curve of sound and style. Ten years and 250+ songs later, his sophomore release Trials & Stimulations nestles him right into the belly of his roots and reveals his strength as a Born into a family of traveling musical missionaries, Terrell came into this world (with the help of a 95 year old midwife) in a tiny trailer set deep in the piney woods of East Texas. Growing up in that same trailer, Terrell spent most of his time riding his horse Lightening and working on the ranch moving cattle and stringing up barbed wire. As part of his teenage rebellious phase, Terrell found himself in a metal band in high school, but made the transition to folk the day of his high school graduation. “I played in a couple metal bands as well as the church band in high school. I woke up one day and decided to sell my giant amp to buy an acoustic guitar,†states Terrell, “I wrote my first song the day after graduation when a friend from church gave me a journal. I filled it completely with songs. I have over 250 songs now.†Jonathan Terrell has since been making waves in his new hometown of Austin – a place he feels “will challenge his musical ability.†The Austin American-Statesman recently declared his residency shows as “creating a buzz in the Texas music scene,†and his consecutive sold-out performances and ever-increasing audience have resulted in his sharing the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson. In an Austin Chronicle review, Jim Caligiuri writes: “Taking his cues from the likes of Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle, the twenty-something songwriter moans poetry set to country and folk settings that kick up dust with a flourish.†With a signature narrative nature, dusty vocals, and a knack for addictive melody, Terrell has the ability to hypnotize and electrify a variety of listeners through telling images and characters. In support of the new album, Terrell recently took to the road and is planning another national tour this Spring/Summer. Meanwhile there are no signs of slowing down. Terrell maintains a relentless schedule with two side rock-n-roll projects, Not In The Face and The Dirty Sound, and keeps his audience coming back for more by a constant offering of endless fresh material. www.jonathanterrell.com
AUSTIN CHRONICLE REVIEW OF THE NEW ALBUM "TRIALS AND STIMULATIONS"HOME: NOVEMBER 28, 2008: MUSIC Texas PlattersBY JIM CALIGIURIJonathan TerrellTrials and Stimulations
Born and bred in the East Texas town of Longview, Jonathan Terrell seemingly has roots music in his blood. Trials and Stimulations may be only his second effort, but its 14 songs span a lifetime of stories well told. Taking his cues from the likes of Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle, the twentysomething songwriter moans poetry set to country and folk settings that kick up dust with a flourish. He then watches as it settles, examining the aftermath with a keen eye. A middisc trilogy of desolation ("The Lone Road"), twisted rockabilly ("Boots"), and Dylan-esque folk ("Terrible Man") grounds the disc, perfectly illustrating Terrell's talent for mood, melody, and lyric. At 55 minutes, Trials and Stimulations could use some editing, but Terrell's songs are sturdy, his band above average and engaging.
MANDATORY FM 98.5 SHANE'S TOP TRACKS
JONATHAN TERRELL - "RAINING SUNDAYS" -- ALBUM: TRIALS AND STIMULATIONSJonathan comes from Austin, Texas. Reminds me a lot of Jackie Greene and Ryan Adams. Very deep lyrics, with an emotional delivery on the vocals. This is not for the "surface level" Texas Music fan. If you are tired of the ordinary, then check this one out. I absolutely love this album, may end up being one of my favorites of 2009.
