Jason Serious

Jason Serious

Jason Serious is a Germany-based group active since 2011. The line-up centres on Jason Serious, who is from the USA and sings, plays acoustic guitar, electric guitar and harmonica, alongside Dave Ingleton from Australia on vocals, bluegrass banjo and slide guitar, Johannes Joss from Germany on drums, percussion and cajon, and Alto Kraus from Germany on electric bass, vocals and bluegrass banjo.

Style and formation

The group forms around a blend of country, folk, bluegrass and rock. Their work also draws on American musical vernacular, with references to folk, country and early jazz in the material associated with their debut recording.

Touring and collaborations

Since forming in 2011, Jason Serious has toured with Billy Bragg, Other Lives, Paul Heaton, Nathaniel Rateliff, Timber Timbre and the Levellers. A review of a Berlin show with Other Lives describes the band as winning over an audience despite initial scepticism about country music.

Recordings and reception

The group’s debut album, Undercover Folk, receives regular radio play from country and folk DJs across Europe. Critical responses describe the record as an accomplished indie album with memorable original songs, and note its warmth, depth and charm. Another review highlights Jason Serious as a strong songwriter in the tradition of figures such as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan, while also emphasising the unusual fact that such American-influenced music is made in Munich.

Performance history

The band plays festival dates across Europe and has confirmed appearances in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria as part of its live activity.