JACKSON EMMER

Jackson Emmer is a combination of master string player, detailed and idiosyncratic songwriter, and beat poet. He has worked in a variety of ensembles, including Key Lime Pussy (2006-2008, Alex Bleeker, Clairborne Dingledine, Chris Kelly, Nate Luce), Brazilian Dollars (Christie Goshe), and his ensemble for his senior show, Jemmer and the Comrades (Clairborne Dingledine, Amitai Gross, Jonny Grusauskas, Trevor Wilson).

His primary instrument might be mandolin, but he seems just as comfortable with guitar, banjo, melodica, piano, ukulele, etc. With these instruments, he's well-versed enough to play with the best of them at any bluegrass jam, but like any gracious artist, knows exactly how to use it in songs (in other words he doesn't shred).

In his solo work, his vocal delivery, low and raspy, is part of that history of narly, rooty characters like Johnny Cash and Tom Waits. Naked and honest, we take in so much of what is inside Jackson Emmer. Mostly, we realize that he's an incredibly perceptive person who sees a million takes on one single idea. Take his treatment of the Little Red Riding Hood- Little Red pts 1-4 (you can watch these performances on youtube). Split into five small acts, it's a carefully constructed and directed ten minute opera. Imaginative and forceful, it disects the story and plops the guts onto the countertop.

Jackson recently released Pen-Pal, which you can download here. Right now Open Face is working to combine this and Extended Play as a doubledisc physical release. Jackson is also collecting shows around the Northeast for the fall and beyond. He currently lives in southern VT.

HISTORY

Scherzo / Sound: Lost and Found (2008)
Piano Body Parts (May 2009)
Extended Play (Jun 2009)
Extended Play Tour w/ Will Stratton and Sam Moss (Jun 2009)
Pen-Pal (Oct 2009)

PRESS

Review of Extended Play by Sam Moss. (Jul 2009)
Graphic score featured in collection by New York Miniaturalist Ensemble. (2009)
Review of Pen-Pal by Pixelhorse. (Sep 2009)

MEDIA

Bandcamp to download and stream every album mentioned here.
Youtube to watch various performances.
Pictures below.