MEMBERS: Dallas Eubanks (electric guitar); Phil Oliver (bass); Evan Eubanks (drums); Jackson Davis (lead vocals, keys)
The project helmed by ivories-stroking singer-songwriter Jackson Davis is only about a year and a half old, but comprised of musicians who’ve been grinding the scene for at least a half-decade. Davis and Evan Eubanks have been playing together since the late Happiness Machine, and the latter’s brother, Dallas, fell naturally into the fold. Currently, Phil Oliver (formerly of Oliver and Co.) rounds out The Jackettes, which, according to Davis, has changed much from its original lineup. “But hopefully it will cycle around again. I want it to be like one of those classic bands that had tons of different eras and lineups.” The quartet’s recent full-length, 2015’s And Then He Found His Flubber Soul, is R&B-soulful rock with heavy ’70s AM roots rock and ’60s psychedelic qualities, driven by keyboards that groove and swing between lushly soulful organ tones and more rollicking and rolling piano melodies, and Davis hitting falsetto notes that’d make Prince proud, as well as dipping into deeper tenors. Only small tours are planned for the rest of the year, but Davis is optimistic about their future on the road: “2017 will be when The Jackettes break free.”
Next show: July 17, Soul Fried Sunday at Wills Pub, Orlando.
RIYL: Dr. Dog, Harry Nilsson, Grizzly Bear
Self-styled sound: “If The Beatles were The Band playing Motown, we are their younger, wannabe siblings.”
And Then He Found His Flubber Soul in a few sentences: “A cry for help. Or — what should have been the first warning sign to my friends and loved ones of my eventual mental collapse and hysteria.”
How The Jackettes are building a fanbase: “We try to put on really good shows musically and just, in general, at places where we think people will be, any audience. We’re kind of stuck in time right now with a few of us finishing up our school careers. It still feels like we are a new band, honestly. But we are starting to work towards expanding our name now.”
Hardest thing about making a career of music: “Living in the internet age makes it easy to get your music out there, but easier to get lost in the noise.”
Ultimate goal, or desired outcome, with your music?: "The ultimate goal is to always just do something that’s good and that matters. Something tasteful and innovative. Not interested in adding to the sameness."
New music in the works or coming out this year? What about touring? "We have another full length like, 70 percent done? Should be out in 2016. Gonna be doing some small touring trips for now. 2017 will be when The Jackettes break free."
Any other big news? "I think I hear wedding bells… The Jackettes are on something of a hot streak in the romance world lately."
The Jackettes’ favorite Tampa Bay artists: “The late Buster Cooper. Luxury Mane. Jitters rules. We’ve been in the area for a while, so some of our favorites have come and gone: Valmara, Pugfort, Halibut. Lots of love for those Grapes and Jensen boys, too.”
Favorite song to perform? "I think we all have our own favorites, but I really enjoy doing some of the weirder stuff."
Favorite venue? "Anywhere small and uncomfortable."
Favorite show you’ve played in recent memory? "We played a tiki party at the Frolic Exchange recently, that was a blast. Lots of attractive people there." (Video below.)
\\
This article appears in Jul 14-21, 2016.