Nashville Scene
October 15, 2009
by Michael McCall

The qualities that made the leader of ’80s Nashville rock heroes Jason & the Scorchers such an engaging performer—earnestness, enthusiasm, physical abandon and a whole-hearted commitment to the emotion of the moment—also account for Farmer Jason’s knack for holding the attention of a much younger audience.

“This started because I wanted to make an album for my kids to play while I was on the road,” says Ringenberg, who created Farmer Jason in 2003. “I never set out to start a second career. It took off in a completely organic way.”

At first, Ringenberg would book an occasional Farmer Jason show while touring as a solo act or amid the occasional Scorchers outing (of which there will soon be more, thanks to a new album being prepped for release). Those roles have switched. “Farmer Jason now drives the touring,” he says. “I pick up solo gigs along the way.”

The fan base does cross: “There’s always at least one parent with a Scorchers album to autograph,” he says. “Sometimes the kids will have me sign a Farmer Jason CD and then slide me a Fervor CD.” Farmer Jason takes Scorchers requests, too. “Help, There’s a Fire” goes over especially well.

The primary difference between his rock band and his family act, however, goes beyond the intoxication level of fans or having to duck from careening Scorchers guitarist Warner Hodges.

“With a young audience, you must have total concentration,” he says. “You can’t relax and take a guitar solo or a drink of water between songs. You lose their attention for a second, and suddenly two brothers are wrestling or tugging on mom’s coat to go. You have to be constantly on top of your game.