He does like a good t-shirt and he’s not opposed to ugly Christmas sweaters.
He roots for WVU, likes to fish, kayak, work on cars, and ride his Harley.
And he likes taking pictures of all of it, and of everything else for that matter, because it’s what he’s good at, too. He has an eye for a certain angle and a different perspective, and the vision of his version most often comes from the sound everything makes simultaneously and individually.
It’s that ever-changing symphony performed by an everyday orchestra that, when it all finally melts into harmony, pauses him to take his usual listen. That’s when, almost always without fail, he chuckles at it all.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is Jason Burge.
What is it about music?
Music is something I’ve leaned on my whole life. It can transport you to distant places, calm your nerves, energize you, and evoke a wide range of emotions. Despite my attempts, I’ve discovered I’m just not wired for playing music myself, but there’s nothing quite like hearing it emanate from speakers, especially in a live setting.
Growing up, I sailed the seas with Jimmy Buffett, experienced moments of profound enlightenment and heartache through lyrics and the strumming of guitars. Most of my happiest memories and even my saddest moments have been accompanied by music. During times of depression and distress, it’s been the one constant that has gotten me through.
What songwriter’s lyrics have impacted you the most?
Can there really be just one? I’ll refrain from delving into the Garcia-Hunter vs. Barlow-Weir argument and let that debate play out in the universe, all while hoping that the music never stops.
While I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I became a Deadhead, I owe much of my musical journey to my parents and a couple uncles that were literal rock stars to me growing up. They exposed me to a diverse array of genres. From Mom’s classics by Buddy Holly, Sam Cooke, Bill Withers and Patsy Cline, to Dad’s rock anthems of CCR and Led Zeppelin, Willie and Waylon, The Band.
And then one day Dad dropped the needle on Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain” album, and it sort of funked me up for life. Flea and the Chili Peppers followed that with those same bass lines. As for songwriters, I’m drawn to the styles of Amos Lee and The Avett Brothers, whose lyrics shaped a few rough times. There are those guys that started this conversation though, and they will forever be truckin’ through my brain.
Locally, that Adrian Niles guy will make you stop and try to figure out the universe if you let him.
If you ever prepared dinner for your favorite person on the planet, what would that dinner be?
It would likely involve steaks on the grill, accompanied by linguine Alfredo and a side of green beans—though I admit, my dietary habits leave much to be desired.
What is the best kayak course you have discovered in the Wheeling area?
I’m a big fan of Big Wheeling Creek. When the conditions are right, it offers a serene and relaxing journey down lazy waters, with a few exciting stops along the way and a generally great vibe. Unfortunately, the fluctuating water levels in recent years have made it either too raging or too low to be passable often.
Is silence a sound?
Silence can be the loudest presence on Earth, overwhelming and leaving me feeling deafened. That’s why, for me, music is a constant companion—it fills the void and shuts it off!
