Jason Becker Releases New Album "The Strawberry Jams"
A Musical Journey Despite Adversity
Legendary guitarist and composer Jason Becker, who has bravely faced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) for 35 years, has unveiled his latest album, "The Strawberry Jams," available on Bandcamp. This album marks a significant addition to his discography, offering a glimpse into his musical genius through previously unreleased recordings.
The Story Behind "The Strawberry Jams"
A Continuation of a Series
In Becker’s own words, "The Strawberry Jams" is the third volume of a series that includes "The Raspberry Jams" and "The Blackberry Jams." These volumes consist of unreleased guitar music recorded on his Tascam cassette recorders between 1985 and 1992, a time when he was still able to play guitar. Initially intended as personal demos to preserve his musical ideas, these tracks were never meant for public release. Becker explains, “I never intended to release this music; they were just demos to have so I wouldn’t forget my ideas.”
Capturing Fleeting Moments
As ALS gradually weakened his hands, Becker often recorded himself improvising solos, hoping to document his creativity in case of a worst-case scenario. He recorded a vast array of music during this challenging period, which later served as the foundation for many of his new songs, including "Blue" and "River of Longing."
Collaborations and Production
Following the completion of his 2018 album "Triumphant Hearts," Becker faced severe health challenges that diverted his focus away from music for five years. During this time, friends and collaborators Dave Lopez and Reto Peter encouraged him to share his old demos, leading to the development of "The Strawberry Jams." Becker provided them with his recordings, including separated tracks prepared by his producer friend, Dan Alvarez.
Album Artwork
The album cover features a photograph taken by Mark Leialoha in 1991 at the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, California, with design work by Navin Dorai.
Track Listing of "The Strawberry Jams"
- Crip Tone Night 04:09
- Sliding Away 03:59
- Some Assembly Required – Jason Becker & Friends 07:23
- Some Assembly Required Demo (feat. Matt and Gregg Bissonette) 04:00
- Billy the Carrot 04:38
- Weak Hand Blues 10:54
- Very Nice Clean Classical Idea 01:06
- River of Longing (feat. John Scofield) 05:53
- Lagrima (Tarrega) 01:14
- Hot For Teacher 04:02
- Dark Water 01:34
- King Kong vs Godzilla 01:07
- Mini Guitar Song 03:00
- Rock Rhythm #5b 01:08
- Cool Arpeggio 00:18
- Meet me Demo 03:38
- Ripping Song 01:07
- Ten Oak Trees 01:55
- Corn In The Morn 03:01
- Drop In The Bucket Demo 05:19
- End of the Beginning Demos 04:18
- First Empire Demo 01:28
- Serrana Clean Demo 01:36
- Serrana Intro Backward Stuff 02:13
- Serrana Clean Guitar Fast Arrangement 02:00
- Higher Guitar Demo 02:28
- First Rain Demo 02:03
- Little Boy Blues 04:17
- Some Soloing 03:43
- Some More Soloing 01:03
Highlighting "Crip Tone Night"
One of the standout tracks, "Crip Tone Night," previously known as "Hen Tricks," evolved through five iterations before reaching its final form. Collaborator Arion Salazar from THIRD EYE BLIND added bass to the track, enhancing its depth. Becker expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We loved it, and I was excited about music again.”
Support and Community
In a heartfelt message, Becker’s team acknowledged the overwhelming support he has received from fans over the years. They encourage those moved by his story to contribute to his medical trust fund, which directly aids in his ongoing care and creative endeavors.
Conclusion
Jason Becker’s journey is one of extraordinary talent and unwavering perseverance. Despite the challenges posed by ALS, he continues to inspire with his music and story. "The Strawberry Jams" serves as a testament to his enduring spirit and creativity, allowing fans to connect with the essence of his artistry.
FAQs
What is "The Strawberry Jams"?
"The Strawberry Jams" is Jason Becker’s latest album, featuring previously unreleased guitar music recorded between 1985 and 1992.
How long has Jason Becker been living with ALS?
Jason Becker has been living with ALS for 35 years.
How can fans support Jason Becker?
Fans can support Jason Becker by donating directly to his medical trust fund through a designated PayPal link shared by his team.
What notable collaborations are featured on the album?
The album features collaborations with musicians such as John Scofield and the Bissonette brothers, Matt and Gregg.
What was Becker’s career like before ALS?
Before his diagnosis, Jason Becker was renowned as a child prodigy guitarist, performing with the technical guitar duo Cacophony and as the guitarist for David Lee Roth.
