Jack Stephenson

"My first instrument was vocals, learning from family, friends, church and school.  Even as a youngster I would make up songs to sing. Basically it has helped me to write songs because I can use words to create sounds, those of which I convert to guitar chords."  In the first grade Jack had to learn to play the "sweet potato" ( a type of flute that fit in the palm of your hand).  It only allowed you to play one scale of eight notes.   "This was my first understanding of play note equals vocal note", said Jack.  

In the 5th grade Jack was given music lessons to learn to sing and play the harpsichord, which gave him his first feel for playing a stringed instrument and singing on scale at the same time. "This was a real lesson about time and action."  In 1960 Jack bought some Bongo drums and sought to be a beat nick.  "I guess I learned some timing, but not much else."   In the early 60's Jack attempted to play a Bugle but soon gave that up.  By the mid-60's, a friend showed Jack how to play 'Johnny B Goode' on a six string guitar and he immediately loved it. 

In 1967, Jack bought his first 6-string guitar and began playing and writing.  In 1973, Jack bought a Guild 12-string guitar from J.O. Owens and has played 12-string ever since, "so I guess you could say that a 12-string guitar is my favorite instrument", says Jack. 

Jack has played music with numerous and varied individuals and bands during his 32 years in the music business, some of whom include L.E. 'Gene' Scott and Earl Musick (since 1972, they formed the original Second Nature Band), Rocky Randall (since 1971, as part of SRS Music and Tin Top Music), Holley Warren (off and on since 1974), Gaylord Hayter (since 1971), T-Bone Timmons (since 1975), as a member of Weavers Of Wooden Music Band (1980), Garry Spradlin (since 1971, a member of SRS Music), Darlina Musick (since 1995), Mark Merritt (since 1998), Michael Ivey (since 1996), Amos Staggs (since 1997), David Bailey (1997) and Judy Carter (1998), both with The Bottom of The Barrel Band, as well as with various members of The North Texas State University Lab Bands.  And, of course, The Brazos Brothers Band!

Jack's personal musical plans after 'Harmony Road' are to rework the first CD that Brazos Brothers recorded but never released and then move on to work on release Number Three! 

Other works Jack has been a part of  were - Mushroom Swoon , by the Second Nature Band, 1977, not released, and the 1st Brazos Brothers 1995, also not released... yet. 

Jack got into songwriting because it was easier to make something up.  "My inspiration is getting ideas and riffs to work".  "With all the variables, I see the Brazos Brothers gaining a larger following as well as an audience around the world. With our versatility I see a demand ready for our music", says Jack. 

Jack's musical influences include L.E. 'Gene' Scott, Earl and Darlina Musick, Rocky Randall, Garry Spradlin, Mark Merritt, Amos Staggs, Leo Kottke, The Band, Ernest and Julio Gallo, Jose Cuervo, Lone Star Beer, and Radio On. 

The strangest experience Jack ever encountered while playing was while The Brazos Brothers were playing at General Granbury Day Celebration (in Granbury, Texas), they were just getting warmed up good and were stopped so that the Out House Races could take place.  Talk about priorities! 

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