(NORTH ADAMS, Mass.) — Vocalist Jason Walker brings his singular brand of gospel-infused folk-soul to Club B10 at MASS MoCA on Saturday, February 20, at 8pm. Walker combines jazz, gospel, classical, and soul in a manner that connects Mahalia Jackson to Mick Jagger and Bernice Johnson Reagon to Philip Glass.
Fans rave about this crooner’s gorgeous vocals, bluesy bassline interludes, and joyous lyrics that coalesce in his self-coined style of “folk-soul,” a revelatory combination of spiritual and secular music.
Walker hails from a multi-generational music family — he was cradled in the arms of Mahalia Jackson as a child and has shared the stage with Mick Jagger, Bono, and Lou Reed. Walker discovered an inclination for music at an early age, and his talent was fostered by his family’s deep music roots.
After finding his calling in theater at Kenyon College, Walker went on to be a featured soloist and ensemble leader for Robert Wilson and Bernice Johnson Reagon’s opera, “Temptation of Saint Anthony,” an all-African American production, rooted in the gospel tradition. Walker most recently toured with Philip Glass and Robert Wilson’s “Einstein on the Beach.”
In addition to his prolific theater resume, Walker has an impressive solo career. His first album, “Just Like You,” debuted in 2008, and draws from Walker’s musical expertise in the genres of jazz, gospel, classical, and opera.
Hear the soulful stylings of Jason Walker in MASS MoCA’s Club B10 on Saturday, February 20, at 8pm. Tickets are $16 advance, $10 students, $22 day of, and $28 preferred. Tickets for all events are available through the MASS MoCA box office located on Marshall Street in North Adams, open 11am to 5pm every day except Tuesdays through spring 2016. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during box office hours or purchased online at MASS MoCA. All events are held rain or shine.