Brandon Muncy
Kern Valley Sun

Local rock band ‘Jest Reason’ formed in early 2009 after father and son duo Frank and Joe Brassell, who have been playing music together for several years, found a bass player. “Joe and I have been playing together and we were always waiting for a bass player,” said Frank Brassell, vocalist and guitarist, “early last year we all started playing together.” 'Jest Reason' was formed, complete with Frank, Joe on drums and vocals, and Matt Rodriguez on bass. Saturday night the trio played the Kern River Saloon in Kernville, playing both original tunes along with covers from bands such as Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, Bush and the Steve Miller Band.

“How’s it going tonight?,” exclaimed Frank, as the band hit the stage on Saturday, “I want to hear some hootin' and hollerin'!” The packed house at the Kern River Saloon obliged, and tore up the dance floor. The mix of oldies rock along with more modern alternative rock truly provides easy listening for almost any ears.

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According to the band's MySpace and Facebook pages, their song list, ““stretches from Chuck Berry and the Beatles on the 'vintage' side to '90s Alt and Grunge.” Along with oringal songs; 'Sliding (A Snow Song)', 'All The Time, 'Too Good To Be True', 'Sure... She Loves You, 'Don't Pass Go', and 'It was you', the band has a complete set list, with songs that you can easily sing along to.

As mentioned previously, the band formed in early 2009, and began rocking local venues three short months later. “Over the years, from the people I've played with, I've learned how to concentrate on what you need to do to get it rolling,” says Frank, who claims to have been influenced by groups such as Kansas, Pink Floyd, Genesis, and even the Sweet Adelines, a singing group his mother still participates in.

With few venues available for local rock music acts, it's important to strive to keep local rock alive. “Music is different than anything else, it's the soundtrack to life, nothing happens without music,” explains Joe.

'Jest Reason' has no problem attracting people to their shows, as evidenced by the large amount of fans at the Kern River Saloon on Saturday night. “None of us is the greatest musician in the world, none of us is the greatest vocalist in the world, but we have fun and we try to make it a fun time for the audience. I think that's why people come to see us,” says Frank.

If you would like to find out more information about 'Jest Reason' visit their MySpace or Facebook pages.