Jason Falkner @ NXNE 2006

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Background/Composition: One guy, one guitar, a load of tight power-pop ditties. Any questions?

Grade: 73
Comment: After recently recording with Sir Paul McCartney, L.A. songwriter Jason Falkner hit Toronto with no more than an electric guitar and a batch of catchy songs. While the show wasn't life-changing, it certainly was enjoyable.

Learning Skills:E=Excellent, G=Good,S=Satisfactory, N=SadReally

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Though Falkner's songs are quite likeable, the performer ultimately won the audience over with his charming between-tune banter. At one point, Falkner remembered playing in Dublin and, after announcing his thirst, looked out to see an army of pints approaching the stage. It was like a Fishbone concert, he joked, only the beers were crowd-surfing. Ha ha, beers don't listen to Fishbone! Priceless!

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: N
Work Habits: G
Organization: E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: G
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Falkner's songs could have probably benefited from a whole band. During some of his unaccompanied guitar tangents, the tunes threatened to unravel. Still, his music was generally tight and his voice and big, distorted guitar riffs filled the room remarkably well.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
ProblemSolving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Two words: Freddie Mercury. OK, one more: Impression. Yep, just when  everyone was like, “I don’t know about this guy,” Falkner tried out some of Freddie’s famed falsetto. Suddenly, the entire crowd wanted to take him home to meet their parents. I believe I speak for everybody who was present when I say, "Jason, you had us at '…the champions.'” Oh, and a few more words: "The Kinks’ 'Wicked Annabella.'” Falkner covered it with a little wink-wink English accent and a whole lot of charm. Wicked!