About Jason Silver
I began playing music at age seven. The piano was my first instrument, and though I hated piano lessons, I did like to experiment in 'playing by ear.' I picked up the trumpet in highschool, the guitar in college, and since then have learned to play other instruments such as the blues harmonica, the penny whistle, the drums, and the bass.Love songs have always come naturally to me, mostly because I was always falling in love with every girl I met. Unfortunately I didn't have the confidence to ask any of them out-- until I met my wife, Joanne. I have since tried to write edgier (is that a word?) songs with driving rhythms and a strong beat. Still, it's the romantic ballads I feel most comfortable with.
Some people ask me how I write. I don't really have a formula that works for me yet... sometimes it's words first, then a melody, other times I think of a catchy tune and try to fit words to it. I find the strongest songs have a lyrical purpose. Though most musicians prefer good melody to good lyrics, the rest of the world knows a song is really about what it says. For this reason, I'm always trying to intensify my content and let the music support it, rather than build music with shallow meaning.
My main inspiration for both music and lyrics comes from groups like Chicago, U2, Sting, Michael W. Smith, Simon & Garfunkle, Johnny Cash, Creed, and The Eagles to name a few.
I am currently the music director at Philpott Church in Hamilton, Ontario. That's my main musical 'gig' right now. And I'm playing around at various coffee houses, and similar venues.
Enjoy the site. If you have questions, contact me.
~Jason
