Jake Ward is the“#1 Best Kept Secret” on the Texas music scene according to Texas Music Pickers, one of the premier web sites devoted to Texas music. Well, the secret is out, as Jake’s third single and fourth singles released to Texas Radio, “Take my Hand” and “Lonely Street” both reached #1 on the Texas Regional Radio Report in 2016. Less than two years after Jake and the band cut their first single, they have developed a reputation for high-energy original songs, blending classic country with contemporary rock and rich harmonies. All of these qualities are on display in their live shows and recordings.
Growing up, Jake was surrounded by diverse musical influences. He fondly recalls sitting in the back seat of the car listening to Elvis, the Beach Boys, the Eagles, Johnny Cash, George Strait, and other performers from many eras and musical traditions. His great grandfather was a legendary local fiddle player in rural Oklahoma during the depression and his maternal grandparents were missionaries who taught and recorded music. Jake performed for the first time at the age of 7 at church and by age 10 had participated in several local musicals in Corpus Christi.
Jake made his public debut as a country artist in 2014 at Larry Joe Taylor’s festival, where he played what would become the first single, “Hit the Road.” He and the band cut the song as a demo and it made its way onto local radio stations, eventually reaching the top 30 and becoming one of the top 100 Texas radio songs of 2014. Increasingly successful singles followed, including “Ignorant Bliss” (#16) and “Take my Hand (#1). The band’s latest single, “Lonely Street” is a passionate country soul song that displays Jake’s righteous vocal ability.
The band released their first album, “Love Don’t Live Here” in September, 2015 with ten original songs. The album bears the band’s signature blend of Jake’s soulful vocals with superlative guitar by virtuoso lead guitarist, Paul Teltschik, and country fiddle by Owen Fitzsimmons, driven by the excellent drumming and bass of Daniel Hawkins and Mitchell “Sunshine” Williams respectively.
The band plays shows throughout Texas with many of the biggest names in Texas music including Aaron Watson, Wade Bowen, Cody Johnson, Reckless Kelly, Whiskey Myers, Zane Williams, and others. If you want to dance, sing along, or simply enjoy some great Texas music, catch a show!