Jason Davis is a traditional bluegrass banjo player from Ford, Virginia, who lives in Galax. He has played with Grasstowne, Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice, the Highland Travelers, and, since 2020, the Dan Tyminski Band. Since 2014 he has taught banjo at East Tennessee State University.
Why Davis matters
Davis has played traditional banjo in several leading bands, and as an ETSU faculty member he teaches the next generation of players. His jam videos from Galax show traditional banjo in a festival circle.
Life and career
Davis grew up in Ford, Virginia, and began playing banjo professionally in high school. His first bands included Michelle Nixon and Drive, Blue Ridge, and the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band. In 2006 he joined Grasstowne. His solo album Steppin’ Out came out on Pinecastle in 2007.
In 2010 he joined Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice. His second solo album, Second Time Around, came out on Mountain Fever in 2013, with singers including Junior Sisk and Shawn Lane and fiddlers Ron Stewart and Justen Haynes. In 2014 he joined the faculty at East Tennessee State University. In 2018 he formed the Highland Travelers with Adam Steffey, Keith Garrett, Gary Hultman, and Kameron Keller. In 2020 he joined the Dan Tyminski Band.
Playing style
Davis plays traditional Scruggs-based banjo, both in vocal bands and in festival jams.
Influences and legacy
Davis came up in the southwest Virginia bluegrass scene around Galax. He has played beside Kenny Smith, Junior Sisk, Adam Steffey, and Dan Tyminski. He sells a tab book of the full Second Time Around album and teaches lessons online.
Signature tunes and songs
Long Journey Home I’m Leaving Detroit Highway Paved With Pain.
Essential recordings
Steppin’ Out (Pinecastle, 2007) Second Time Around (Mountain Fever, 2013)
Watch and listen
Davis jams Long Journey Home at Galax in 2024 with Kenny Smith and others.
What to learn from Davis
Learn Long Journey Home and play it in a jam. The technique to steal is jam drive. In a big circle, keep the roll even and strong so the whole jam can lock on to it.
Sources
Davis, Jason, BluegrassBios.com Jason Davis Banjo
Related players
See the banjo players hub and the bluegrass banjo guide for more pickers. Davis has played with Kenny Smith, Junior Sisk, and Dan Tyminski, and recorded with Ron Stewart.