Welcome to the home of Rif Mountain Records, a small independant co-op label.
Yorkshire born Steel has forged a reputation as a distinctive solo performer. Marrying a lullaby-sweet voice to his deft finger picking (on 5 and 6 string banjo, guitar and ukulele), the results are striking; Jackson C Frank haunted by the spectres of 1920s 'Tin Pan Alley'. By weaving the sounds of Appalachian and ragtime picking with the strange, old worlds of traditional folk, he evokes an emotional hinterland somewhere between Bert Jansch and Leonard Cohen, John Fahey and Cliff 'Ukulele Ike' Edwards. Following a brace of acclaimed EPs (all recorded live to a single microphone) his debut long player Fire Begot Ash garnered considerable praise in various quarters upon its release in March of 2010, followed by an invitation to record for the BBC at Maida Vale studios. Jason is currently working on his second album for Rif Mountain The Weight of Care, as well as duo record with Nancy Wallace which is set for release early 2011.
"Produces a timeless atmosphere that remains free from pastiche or reproduction. He date-mixes traditional themes, the 1920s and right now in a most disconcerting way; a stripped down and very alluring album." fRoots
"A timely reminder of the raw beauty and rich harmonics that can be carved by one finger, one thumb and one voice." Musique Machine
"With the cautious, unhurried pace of a Fahey disciple, on a brace of rags his picking trickles easily like an Appalachian mountain stream. Meanwhile, across an array of original songs - and an absolutely stunning 'False Bride' - his soft voice lulls seductively. It's a gracious, stately debut." (*****) R2 magazine
"These crestfallen gemstones are carved with a yearning, wounded glow... measured, mournful and if truth be told quite magnificent." Losing Today
