Jason Irwin, Rock and Roll Marvel – An Xperience Article

Jason Irwin, Rock and Roll Marvel – An Xperience Article – by Jason Irwin.

“Marvel” often suggests “superhero,” but by definition, it’s just a “wonderful or astonishing person or thing.” And this guy fits the bill.

Jason Irwin — his name, voice, and image all resonate throughout the 518. You’ve heard him booming from our loudspeakers and flowing across our FM airwaves. You’ve seen him flashing across our film and TV screens. His name appears regularly in our newspapers. It’s nearly impossible to scroll through social media without encountering his unmistakable presence. And yet, despite all of that exposure, I only recently had the chance to finally meet him in person—and I must say, the experience surpassed even my highest expectations.

I was invited to visit him recently at his home in Schaghticoke, where he resides with his wife, Lisa, and her two daughters. The house isn’t what you would expect from a rock and roller. “I know,” he joked. “Total ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ hell.” He blames — lovingly — his better half. There are some hints of the wilder side of the family unit here and there, including a guitar on the wall and two recently earned “Favorite Solo/Duo Cover and Original” Listen Up Awards. Other than that, it’s pretty normal — houseplants, family photos, and a golden retriever named Ellie. “There’s a cat and four fish too,” he claimed, well aware of the homogenized aura of the home. Then, he gave me a sinister look and dared, “Here, follow me.” This is what I was waiting for. His home studio takes up about half of a gigantic finished basement. “My version of the man-cave,” he smirked. It’s impressive –and loaded with the usual ingredients: drums, keys, guitars, speakers, computers, and other A/V gear. “It’s not done yet, but I’m getting there.” He invited me to sit on a black leather -and what he called (again, jokingly – I hope) “casting couch.” It looked safe. “Okay, what do you want to know?” he asked. Game on.

The Gen-X vibe oozes from Irwin’s pores. I took a chance that he wouldn’t mind revealing his age. “I just turned 53 about a week ago,” he said proudly. I was a little surprised, as he appears much younger. He’s formidable, for sure –but also down to earth. And funny. I must admit, I had heard some “things” here and there. “Urban Legends,” he laughed. Based on his tone…I’m not sure I believed this one, though. “OK, I had some questionable moments. I mean, it was a rock band, and things happen.” I decided to let that go —  for now, and began to quiz him on some of the basics.

Most of us in the “scene” first came to know Mr. Irwin as his original pop-punk outfit, Phillips Head, started making waves in the mid-’90s. The band was Glens-Falls-based (as was its leader), but the band made the Capital Region its second home by frequently performing at Albany’s Valentines, QE2, Pauly’s Hotel, and Bogie’s –amongst others. Northern Lights in Clifton Park was a frequent host to the band’s shenanigans as well. “I don’t remember them all,” he said. “I have a list somewhere.”  Fair enough. The band was active from 1994 to 2021, and 27 years isn’t a bad run. “My drummer and best buddy, Benny, and I really worked hard and kept it together for a long time. We had a couple of “breaks,” and more than a few different people involved the years, rounding out the band, …but really — it was always me and him.” I asked him about the current band status, to which he shrugged, “Who knows. Last year would have been our 30^th anniversary, and it would have been the perfect time for a reunion, but I just couldn’t get it together the way I wanted to. So we’ll see.” He seemed disappointed, but optimistic. I get it –bands are hard.

Jason grew up in South Glens Falls, where he worked for decades alongside his family in their 3-generation golf business, Tee-Bird Country Club. He also started his own mobile DJ business in 1988, as a junior in high school, which he still operates successfully today. When the golf course eventually sold, and after graduating from college with a business degree, he went into full-time radio and boasts a decade-long on-air stint at Manchester, VT’s 102.7 WEQX-FM. “What an amazing experience that was,” he said. “I loved that station and what they stand for. [Late founder and owner] Brooks Brown taught me so much.” These days, he is at home as the daily morning show host of Rise and Rock on the now (almost exactly) 4-year-old Glens Falls classic rock station, The Legend 93WSC, part of the Regional Radio Group. The show airs live Monday through Friday from 6-10 am on 93.1 FM in the Glens Falls area, and also online at 93wsc.com, and via a free mobile app. His most recent interest has been in acting. “That’s actually my favorite of all the things I do. I wish I had time to do more. It’s super time-consuming, and some of those commitments don’t allow me to take on other projects.” He has made several film and television appearances over the past few years. “My favorite so far was HBO’s “The Gilded Age.” Wow, what a production that was.” He has found enjoyment behind the camera as a director, too, as a producer of two documentary films of his own. Mr. Irwin is also well-known in the greater Glens Falls area for his contributions to the Glens Falls Chronicle as a long-running entertainment columnist and photographer. Jason and his wife own and operate the locally minded booking company, 518Rock, which books local acts for several venues and promotes events in the upstate area. “Lisa actually runs that whole show,” he admitted. “I’m just the pretty face of the business.” THIS one was obviously a blatant jest. As handsome as Jason is…I’ve seen Mrs. Irwin, and with all due respect to Mr. Irwin -she’s a knockout.

These days, the singer/guitarist/songwriter can be seen all over the Northeast performing solo acoustic shows. “I love it,” he said. “It’s so cool to play originals and covers, and continue to play to new and old fans, at so many great venues. It’s really made me a better musician, too,” he added. “I had to learn a whole new way of playing and singing, stripped down like this. I absolutely love rearranging songs to fit this format.” On this note…I did feel a need to address a rumor, which was that “Jason Irwin can’t play an ‘F’ chord.” I asked cautiously. He came back, full steam. “I HATE that thing!” he laughed. “No, I don’t play ‘F’. I can’t play ‘F’. I am boycotting the ‘F.’ I’ll do ANYTHING to not play an ‘F’….” I’ll completely pass on a song, use a capo, transpose the key, or change or cut out an entire part.” “I’ll literally do anything not to play an ‘F.’” It seems almost like a lighthearted–but–stubborn point he is trying to stick to. But honestly, for someone who averages 150 solo shows a year, I guess it’s a valid one. Who needs it? Apparently, not Jason Irwin. It doesn’t seem to affect his schedule, that’s for sure -although he quips, “I’m sure that attitude annoys some ‘good’ guitarists — and that isn’t intentional.” I have huge respect for my peers. We all know each other. This is kind of a long-running and funny thing. No, I’m not the ‘best’ guitarist. I’m a self-taught musician and vocalist, and I just do what I do. That’s all I can do, and that’s all I like to do.” Then he opened up a long-running debate. “What is ‘good?’ Technical talent? Entertaining your audience? Being successful and making a living playing music? ‘Good’ is personally a relative term.” From what I’ve heard of Irwin’s ability, he’s being modest.

A “Renaissance Man” is someone who has a wide range of talents. On the surface, Mr. Irwin’s specialties — although plentiful — seem somewhat limited to the entertainment industry: music, radio, acting, writing, etc. He claims that the label fits him well, though. “Most people wouldn’t guess that I can operate almost any type of heavy equipment at an expert level. I can do brain surgery with a mini-excavator.” Marvelous (I knew I’d make it back to that word.)

I left the interview satisfied, but I couldn’t help the feeling that there were several additional layers to unpeel here. Superhero…maybe not. But is it possible that this man is nothing short of a modern-day Da Vinci?  I took a chance and asked him if he’d be up for another discussion at some point.  Then, he gave me the look I’d been anticipating – that famous (or infamous) chin-up, half-smile, half-sneer. For some reason, it gave me goosebumps. Irwin dropped the mic with the promise: “Sure, I’ll be around.”

I believe him.

You can visit Jason online at www.jasonirwinrock.com. “Everything is there,” he says. “But if you want to really want to get in touch, contact my wife. I’m not rude, I swear — I’m just busy and easily distracted, so I’m horrible at correspondence.”

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