Jason Plumb @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Singer/songwriter Jason Plumb is a Juno Award winner and former frontman for The Waltons. He performs introspective ballads about love with his current backing band, The Willing.

Grade: 90

Comment: Although advertised as a Jason Plumb And The Willing set, Plumb's entire backing band was playing truant on this particular night, so he was left to make a go of it alone and quipped that "The Willing weren't too willing." He made the best of it, though, and even seemed to imply that not having a backing band there let him take more liberties with his arrangements.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

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

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
Although by his own admission Plumb cuts an unremarkable figure on stage, he still engages the crowd in a self-deprecating Corner Gas sort of way. Otherwise, he was content to let his voice, harmonica and guitar do the talking. 

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E Composition:
E Songs: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep:
A solo acoustic act is not easy to pull off at the best of times, especially when you're competing with a clanking bar and patrons who only seem to go to these gigs to chat at the back. To his credit, Plumb did a good job of holding the audience's attention. The amount of soul he put into his vocal delivery and playing certainly helped. 

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Although it would have been nice to see Plumb perform with a band, he's proven he's just as at home on stage without them.