JASON VIGIL: Press

Performing Songwriter

On his debut release Heart Gone Sober, Colorado-based Jason Vigil displays a keen pop sensibility and a knack for tapping directly into the heart of a song like a modern-day Buddy Holly. No unnecessary fluff, not one wasted note—just catchy melodies and lyrics that make a visceral statement.
“Grab a bottle, hold on tight to me, we’ll be everything, just you and me,” he sings on “You I’m Thinking.” The heavy pop-rock arrangement supports rather than clouds the lyrical and melodic roots of the song. Ditto for the title track, a grooving number that perfectly captures that painful moment of falling out of love: “My heart’s gone finally sober / From missing out on life, my life.” Do your own heart and ears a favor, and don’t miss out on Vigil.

Ink 19

Young Denver songwriter Jason Vigil’s debut album Heart Gone Sober is a highly promising disc from an artist clearly influenced by the likes of Rob Thomas and Goo Goo Dolls.
Vigil’s clear voice has real commercial potential and his songs are, for the most part, well-written, containing plenty of memorable hook lines. Opener “You I’m Thinking” has obvious claims for possible radio play and along with the Coldplay-esque “Need Your Space,” has already gained rotation on a number of Denver stations. The acoustic ballad “Sad Month” is another highlight, showcasing a more delicate side to Vigil’s writing, while closing track “Come To Me” displays a harder edge. All in all, Heart Gone Sober is a debut that could lead Vigil onto bigger and bigger things if he continues to build a solid audience in his hometown.

Rambles.net

Denver based singer-songwriter Jason Vigil has a great first release with Heart Gone Sober. With 10 tracks lasting just under 40 minutes, Jason belts his heart out on this self-produced CD. The music can mostly be classified as alternative rock, but there are folk elements upon occasion.
Title track "Heart Gone Sober" has some lyrics that demonstrate Jason's songwriting skills. If you have ever been dumped, you can probably relate to "Here I go again, make it on my own / Now it's all too clear I am all alone / Just get through the day, try not to think of you / Afraid to be without the half of me called you." I like that last line. It is succinct and to the point. Musicwise, the song starts off at a faster pace than it ends. The beginning is more rock, the ending more folk.
You might have heard "Need Your Space" on the radio. This is one of the better songs on the album. But with so many decent tracks on the CD, I might be able to pick out a top eight tracks. Parts of the melody on this piece bring old Jars of Clay songs to mind. Jason demonstrates his vocal range on this selection more than some of the other tracks. From the title of the song, I thought it was a break-up song with someone saying they needed space. Instead, this song is about the start of a relationship. The singer needs to get into the space of the person they are addressing.
One of the more rocking tracks on the album, "So Tell Me" has a simple piano hook to grab you, a smooth guitar riff to real you in and Jason's vocals to keep you captive. Lyrically, this song is more simple than many. The chorus is pretty much "Don't turn away" repeated many, many times. One of the stanzas: "So tell me, are you the same / Obsession is now your name / If your dreams, they don't come true / Remember, you are, you are still you." Not much to it, but still, this is a catchy tune.
Jason wrote all the songs he sings and plays guitar as well. His band on the album includes Cale Hand (drums), Chris Jaramillo (bass and co-producer), Justin Miller (keyboards, piano and organ), Eric Garcia (percussion) and Tony C'de Baca (guitars).
Jason Vigil is one of the better singer-songwriters I've enjoyed in the past year. His music is groomed to a more mainstream alternative college-rock audience, which makes it rather accessible. It is more rock than what a lot of Rambles readers might be looking for, but over the years as Rambles has spread to a wider audience, the range of CDs being reviewed has also increased. His website will let you sample all the tracks I mentioned plus a few more. It's worth a visit.

Colorado Music Buzz Magazine

“Ripe with reflections on love, loss, and heartache, the songs never drag along or bring the mood down; instead they remain energetic and meaningful while maintaining catchy hooks, powerful vocals, and solid performances from Vigil's band.”

Hard Rock Haven

Comments: Jason Vigil, a singer/songwriter out of Colorado, releases his debut album Heart Gone Sober. If you haven't heard of it yet, that's because it hasn't gotten much help from a big label or radio. However, if the preliminary reports are any indication, you'll be hearing from Jason soon. Heart Gone Sober has been met with much excitement in his hometown of Fort Collins. With a little promotional help, this album will find its way into many hearts across the country.

With a pop/rock sound and a slight folk rock flavor, there is a definite energy to this album even if it doesn't immediately slap you in the face. The production on this album is decent and very fitting to the music style. Jason mixes clean electric guitar tones with fuzzy, light distortion guitar to build a full layered music bed. The bass is full sounding and the drums are full, but not overpowering. They leave room nicely for the vocals to shine through.

Jason is one of those artists that uses the written lyric to carry the song. This doesn't mean the music isn't just as good. In fact a good mix of music and lyrics like this is extremely hard to find these days.

There is a definite Rob Thomas/Matchbox 20 sound in Jason's music, with some Andy Taylor flavoring with a little bit of Head Automatica sprinkled into the mix. The Rob Thomas influence is probably no more evident than in "Need Your Space". Jason's phrasing, enunciation and emotion are all very Thomas-like in this song. "Hurts to Be Without You" is another song that has a definite Rob Thomas feel to it.

"Sad Month" is an awesome song and could possibly be one of the best tracks on the album. Once you spin the disc, you'll realize that the word "ballad" was not used in the last sentence. Yes, it is a ballad. In fact, the track consists of an acoustic guitar track and a vocal track. (Honestly, they probably used several microphones to pick up the room noise and get a fuller tone--but who's really paying attention to that crap). But in this stripped down setting, Jason's talent really comes off the "page." It's easy to imagine that he could mesmerize a room with just a guitar and a vocal microphone.
If you like to interpret lyrics or if you like to sing along with catchy pop melodies, this will be a surprise gem for you. If you're one of those people who like to listen to music two years before it finally hits radio (Gym Class Heroes anyone?), make sure to let all your friends know you have this album now. It's risky because Jason may not get the label or radio support he deserves and your "music guru" reputation may end up taking a bath on this one, but this album will make it worth your time.

Melodic.net

"Denver based singer/songwriter Jason Vigil has a tough job competing with thousands of other talented artists in the same genre but this guy has potential of getting somewhere.
He's got a great voice that has that southern feel over it, I think I could settle with just his voice and a guitar but if you're looking for a full band record of quality modern rock - this is the album for you....
I especially like "You I'm thinking", "Need your space" and "So tell me" but the whole album is great.
No fillers here!"

Blog Critic's Magazine

“When all is said and done, this CD is a pleasure to listen to.”

Smother.net

“Singer/songwriter Jason Vigil embraces the straight-forward pop format throughout his entrancing Heart Gone Sober. Laden with catchy hooks ala alternative rock...it’s an album that discusses some of the more personal sides to humanity—drug abuse and recovery, relationships, and life in general. Passionate music played with vigor.”

All Ages Zine

“He delivers the songs with a passion that is unmatched by anyone out there right now. While most bands chose to scream their passion at you these days, Vigil chooses to rather pour them out so you can understand them.”