Jason Andrew
a genre of tradition
Fiddling is well known for being a genre of tradition, and one would be hard pressed to find a fiddler alive today with more built-in tradition than Texas Fiddle Champion Jason Andrew. The latest in a long family line of champion and world renowned fiddle players, the Franklin family’s legacy continues on for another generation of Texas style fiddle royalty. Known for having an extensive repertoire, on the fly improvisation, and a hard driving beat, Jason has that “original” sound that few accomplished fiddle players have mastered and a stage presence and energy that captivates audiences and musicians nationwide.
As a native of Whitewright, a small, northeast Texas town of 1,500, Jason was exposed to fiddle music from the day he was born and was captivated by the many great musicians that would make the journey to jam at his grandparents' farm while always dreaming of the day in which he would be able to join his grandfather and friends in all the foot stomping fun witnessed throughout his early years. Constantly asking for a fiddle of his own, at the age of 6 grandfather Louis Franklin placed his cherished fiddle in Jason’s hands one night to see how the six year old measured on a full size fiddle. “I thought it was finally happening,” says Jason, describing the moment that will never be forgotten. “I thought all the bugging finally paid off.” recalls Jason. Despite having to wait another four years to receive a fiddle of his own, all of the years of persistence compelled Louis to give Jason his first fiddle on his 10th birthday. “I can remember at my birthday party when everything was about over and Grandpa walked in with a fiddle case in hand. He looked at me and smiled. He sat it down in front of me and said, “Honeyboy, this is yours. I guess we are gonna have to teach you how to play it.””
The day Jason received his first fiddle for his 10th birthday started a lifelong journey of learning and mastering an instrument and a language that has brought many great memories and friendships that are held very dear. Lessons from masters such as Dale Morris Sr., along with Grandpa Louis and (Uncle) Larry Franklin coupled with watching, listening, and learning from as many different players as he could get his eyes and ears on, Jason has become a top finisher in any competition he enters as well as a well-versed improvisational player. His playing style draws from many genres, not just Texas Style. He is well versed in traditional and contemporary bluegrass, western swing, jazz, traditional and modern country, and even classic and modern rock. While his first love may be traditional Texas fiddle music, Jason is just as likely to be found in the studio or sharing the stage with many recording and touring acts throughout the country. Jason has toured with popular acts such as Whiskey Myers, the Josh Abbott Band, Kevin Fowler, William Clark Green, and John David Kent along with countless others. During 2021-2022, he teamed up with Kyle Nix (fiddler for the Turnpike Troubadors) playing fiddle for his current side project “Kyle Nix & the 38’s”. Also during 2022 Jason toured with Jason Boland & the Stragglers, Jake Worthington (The Voice Season 5 runner-up), and most notably the 9 time Grammy award winning Kings of Western Swing “Asleep at the Wheel”, of which his uncle Larry Franklin spent 8 years with, joining when Jason was just 2 years old.
Jason’s pinnacle in music thus far came in April of 2018 when he won the coveted Texas State Championship contest in Hallettesville,Tx, becoming only the 16th individual to win the title in the 40 plus years of the contest’s existence. “It’s like being the quarterback that just won the Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP all in one,” says Jason of his greatest win thus far. “I’m incredibly honored to be a part of the small list of winners. This is a title I’ve dreamed about since I started playing and never thought I would actually win.”
Jason has been a featured performer at the Festival of Texas Fiddling for five years and has now received the Master Texas Fiddler to recognize him as one of the most significant true vine tradition bearers in the State of Texas.