Jason DeShaw | Hi-Line

Published: September 19, 2010

Plentywood native and purveyor of what he calls “rural country,” Jason DeShaw is a fast-rising young country artist with a fourth album out, containing 14 homemade tunes.

There’s lots of talk about good vs. evil, the changing way of life in desolate farm country, and lost love. Oh, and lots of things get burned.

DeShaw has a flair for storytelling and the powerful pipes to back it up. He’s accompanied here by a bunch of well-known Montana musicians – among them, Rennan Rieke (bass), Mike Killeen (guitar), producer Dan Nichols (percussion), and Will Harmon (fiddle).

DeShaw’s malleable, emotive baritone can go anywhere. It has the high country throb-in-the-throat nuance that comes across authentically on the slow finger-snapper, “See You in the Sky,” written for his deceased cousin, to whom he dedicates the album.

The first tune, “My Door Is Always Open,” gets DeShaw wailing right away, his voice expressing a hint of the quick warbling vibrato of Gordon Lightfoot, or maybe Montana’s own Jack Gladstone. Next is a sort of cowboy-reggae rocker with a nice melodic hook, “Mississippi Mud,” in which DeShaw eschews city life for the simple pleasures of the country.

Chilling ambience sets the tone on the slow hugger, “Farmer’s Dream,” about the railroad taking farmers’ land. DeShaw’s troubadour talent shines on this one – suffice it to say there’s an interesting story line and murder is afoot. Plus, he pronounces the word “ruin” the way my father used to – “roon.” I like that.

There’s the Civil War tale, “Drummer Boy,” with its cool marching snare and harmonica at the beginning; and the hymn-like waltz, “When Will It Change,” features Amber Olsson on nifty, tight harmony.

The title cut, “Hi-Line,” about how the West is changing, has a perfect western flair with banjo and some sorrowful, drawn-out vocal “woo-woahs.” There’s some great Sons of the Pioneers backup singing here. Smells like a hit.

The singer and rhythm guitarist has been making music since he graduated from college seven years ago. He’s sold out engagements all over Montana and entertained audiences in the U.S., Canada and Europe, as well. He’s opened for Emerson Drive, The Oakridge Boys, and Little Big Town, and done a stint in Nashville. Been places and going places.

His new album was recorded by Nichols at Soul Tree Recording in Helena. Visit the singer at www.myspace.com/jasondeshaw.

– Mariss McTucker