Jag Star
First of all, there’s that sweet voice. In “Does Anybody Know” (The Best Impression of Sanity) the sweetness doesn’t last all that long. Oh, the sound and clarity remain, but Sarah Lewis takes her song-writing talent out to ask a serious question. It’s pop, of course, not rock. But some will like it.
The band is Just J – guitars; Brad Williams – drums; Drew Gilch – bass; Jay Daniel – bass. The considerable talent of these musicians gives strength to Lewis tunes and to her sound. “Missed Out” has an interesting electronic sound beginning. This may be one of Lewis more lightweight songs, though the middle portion attempts some intensity.
Based originally in Knoxville, Tennessee, Jag Star stretches a bit with “Something Different” appropriately enough. It may difficult for the listener go get past the Sheryl Crow comparisons. Crow, however, has a bit more of the street dirt on her than this group and singer. Lewis and Jag Star certainly don’t fit in any category that would include Heart or Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders.
Speaking of stretching out, the group tries this again with “Disguise.” The tune does have a slightly heavier feel. It may even be a bit darker. OK.
Tags: indie music, Jag Star, music, independent music, indie
She has a decent voice, an “ok” voice, but she is nowhere in the ranks of Crowe, especially lyrics wise, and I am probably gonna be one of those ones that won’t be able to take them too seriously because she sounds to me like she is trying a bit too much to sound like Crowe (whether it is intentional or not). I may be a bit hard to please though when it comes to female pop rockers, because those are some hard shoes to fill when thinking about what I am used to hearing. A perfect example is when the author mentioned Heart.
Only yesterday, in fact, I happened to be putting a couple of 2008 State Quarters into their places on a State Quarters map I’ve had since 1999, and I glanced casually at the Tennessee one, with its music-theme artwork. That state certainly has more than its fair share of music history that covers the whole spectrum of styles and genres, from country to jazz to rock.
Oh, but I digress.
Jag Star, to its credit, DOES have a great rock-ish energy thing going. I like the instrumental support Sarah Lewis gets from Just J, Williams, Gilch, and Daniel. I also do like her voice, but I’m not really sure if I could listen to Jag Star on a regular basis. I am not bothered so much by any similarity she has to Sheryl Crow, since I have only heard one song by that singer and not much else, but rather by the style she sings in.
As mentioned, Jag Star gets the job done. It’s definitely poppy and I don’t mind it for that reason, but there is a lot to be desired.
The lyrics really don’t get my mind working and her voice does not stand out in the crowd. I think any of these songs could catch mainstream, but I’m not sure that’s a good thing. The artist doesn’t really seem to be pushing any boundaries.
I am in agreement about the “no pushing of boundaries” feel to Jag Star’s styles. Of course, maybe Sarah Lewis isn’t too interested in setting the music world on fire, and I’m okay with that. I DO wish, though, that there was something there to get me to want to listen to the group more, and so far, there’s nothing…but that’s just for me. Maybe other listeners might find that which eludes me.
Yay, I love Jag-Star! I’d have to admit that I learned about them solely through this site, but the band is totally rocking. I have a love for female vocals in a rock band. The Veronicas, The Donnas, and other related bands have the type of sound that I enjoy hearing, and I’m glad to know that Jag-Star can relate to my other favorites. Great sound, great vocals- I love it.
On the bright side, at least Jag Star is not DULL. That to me is one asset worth commenting on. Dullness and lack of musicianship…that’s two things Jag Star can’t be accused of having as black marks against them.
Did not think that there was that much Sheryl crow sound coming from this band as stated in the article. In fact I found this to be exciting to say the least. I believe that they are truly musicians and can really rock the music scene. Very much enjoyed the song Does anybody know. great lyrics and sound.
This band does rock, but not in a Sheryl Crow kinda way. I couldn’t make the connection at all. I tried to for a while too. Maybe it was just me.
Even without the Sheryl Crow connection (at least in my mind anyway) it doesn’t take anything away from the band at all. They’re unique, and rock in their own way. I think that part of me is glad I didn’t find the Sheryl Crow connection. Then I would have thought of it as another cookie-cutter band, and probably not liked them as much as I do now.