Essential 8: Jackslacks

San Diego roots-rocker Jackslacks is back on the scene with a brand new album, Earthling Sessions. The eleven track recording is truly imaginative while remaining faithful to the distinctive Jackslacks' sound: finely crafted, guitar driven rockabilly melodies, tight harmonies, and hooks a plenty that transport the listener to a different era. Here, Jackslacks answers his Essential 8 and talks the new album, musical mentors, favorite concerts, and more!

Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you?
Yes, I do… I grew up on Long Island and befriended a classmate in elementary school named Tommy Byrnes. Tommy won our second grade talent contest with a rocking acoustic version of CCR’s “Bad Moon Rising.” I took second place, covering Trini Lopez’ “Lemon Tree.” Since then, Tommy has gone on to play with Stray Cats, Brian Setzer (solo), Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and for the past 20 years or so has been guitarist/musical director for Billy Joel. He lent an ear to my new music and has what I can only describe as incredible musical memory.

With (please choose a song), what was the “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect?
I felt an “a-ha” moment after our guitarist Gig Fortier laid down the lead guitar for “The 92107,” which is the opening song on our new album. It’s such a super cool part, definitely original, with serious influences from Cliff Gallup (Gene Vincent) and Scotty Moore (Elvis). It completes the song and starts the album off with a bang!

Why did you chose to anchor the album with the songs you did?
I love rockabilly music; especially the original rock ‘n roll period from 1954 -1959. That being said, I picked “The 92107” for an anchor because I wanted to start the record with a song that, in some small way, would honor those great rockabilly artists I grew up listening too.  Cats like Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Burnette, and my personal musical hero, Carl Perkins.

Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
For me, songwriting is a combination of raw human emotion, honest self- examination, and scrupulous social observation.

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Courtesy of the Artist

What has been your biggest success?
Opening for Carl Perkins. We knew a former Sun Records label mate named Johnny Powers and he took us back to Carl’s bus. We talked for about 30 minutes and he shared some funny stories as well as his personal faith. I also opened for and had the pleasure to meet and chat with Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry.

Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended?
First show: the mighty Led Zeppelin. Favorite show: Jerry Lee Lewis… a set list stacked with Sun favorites. 

Recent release you cannot stop listening to?
I like the Paladins new CD a lot. I also play the blues record Phil and Dave Alvin put out a few years ago as well as Buzz Campbell’s (Hot Rod Lincoln) solo album. And, I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for my ex-bandmate, Billy Bacon (Forbidden Pigs) and his new record High, Wide and Handsome.

Song (of yours) you wish you would have released as a single and why?
"Other Side"… mostly because it’s a tribute to my pops who passed a few years ago and includes my daughter Taylor on violin, my brother Bill (Nobody’s Business) on guitar and my nephew Billy on backing vocals.

​Reverbnation
​Purchase

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