Jackson took wrong way on This Way
It is obvious that This Way’s sound doesn’t appeal to writer Tyler Jackson so I will not waste time trying to argue the viability of the band’s music. Rather, I do wish Mr. Jackson did a bit more research and got his facts straight before making some erroneous assertions.
For one, Mr. Jackson seems to jump at the chance to dismiss This Way’s music because of his idea of Jay Basiner being this “Human Jukebox” whose only saving grace is entertaining barrooms with classic rock covers. I cringed when, after basically assessing Jay’s songwriting as drivel, Jackson said that the music will do fine with its intended audience at places like Boru and Bull Feeney’s. It has been pretty well documented in all the press I have read and listened to on the radio that This Way is an original band and does not ever play at pubs like Bull Feeney’s or Boru. Rather, these guys headline and pack places like The Big Easy, Empire and Asylum. Shouldn’t Mr. Jackson have checked out This Way’s schedule of shows before he misinforms your readers?
I have been a fan of Jay Basiner’s music for several years. Most recently, I have been delighted at his new venture, This Way, as I think these guys have what it takes to change the musical landscape of this city in ways only matched by Rustic Overtones.
I have heard interviews with Jay where he has made the claim that he wants This Way to leave audiences changed for the better, and it’s not just a claim, it’s the truth. I really wish that Mr. Jackson made an attempt to see This Way live before he asked “how is This Way supposed to edify me?”
My answer to you, Mr. Jackson, take the time and see what Jay and This Way are able to do on stage. I recently saw This Way’s performance at the Strive Benefit. I wish you could have seen the joy and hope on the faces of the hundreds of mentally disabled kids as Jay assured them and their supporters that they too will make history. And that they did. I recently ran into Strive organizer Katie Collins and she told me the benefit raised over $30,000, which is outstanding given the financial crises we are in the midst of. Moreover, Jay recently told me that he and three other organizers are putting together a one-of-a-kind benefit concert for the Preble Street Resource Center at Asylum to help raise money for this ever-important community cause.
As a fan of This Way, the band’s power, along with the songwriting, vision and leadership of Jay Basiner, are obvious to me. Where most bands are so absorbed with themselves, This Way genuinely seeks to give back to the community and to help organize a fan base that will be committed to public service. I believe that is what Jay is talking about when he speaks of edification, and his is the kind of voice we need now more than ever.
It’s fine not to appreciate This Way’s album, but to simplify this band as a glorified pedestrian barroom band is plain inaccurate and presumably insulting to the band and their fans.
I don’t have to prove it to you. I have confidence the band will continue to take care of that themselves.
— Bob Hole, Portland
