Jar of Rain

Julio Posada on bass, John Thornburg on vocals, Russ Thornburg on lead guitar

John Thornburg tearing it up on the drums (photo from JarofRain.com)

Hot Young Band

I had the great pleasure of seeing Jar of Rain play at the new 88 Keys jam on Wednesday night, and Whew! These boys rock! They showed up on the radar about a year ago at the old Oddfellows jam in Redmond (by the way, how’s that Martini bar going??), and what a wonder a year makes.

John Thornburg has matured significantly as a musician, and at the tender age of 18 is already cultivating his explosive style of drumming. Sharp, powerful, and with unexpected artistry, he is a drummer to watch, now and in the years to come. His younger brother, Russ, plays a fine lead guitar, and to round out the sound, they’ve got sure-footed Julio Posada on bass.

The threesome play mostly their original material, which is also maturing. Is it loud? Yes. Is it raw? Yes. Does it show huge potential? Yes. Original songwriting is tricky; it’s partly craft and partly genius. These guys might just have what it takes.

In the meantime, when Jar covers a song, they take it further than it’s ever gone. Most young bands wouldn’t attempt the Beatles’ Come Together, or fall short in the effort, but these guys absolutely smashed it to the moon.

"Like" Jar's Facebook page to get posts about upcoming shows. Go see them in small venues while you can; rumor has it they are gaining interest with all the right people.

Lynn Sorensen: Rock Superstar

Living in the Seattle area it's not rare to hear great musicians jam; last night it was in tribute to a fallen brother, Joe, taken two years ago. When a rock superstar takes the stage it's something else, something magic. That's what happened last night at Oddfellows Grill in Redmond.

Notable musicians like Manuel Morais and Eddie Mendoza from the Aury Moore Band, Roger Fisher from Heart, Darlene Tyler from Heartless, Pete Butterfield, the Thornburg brothers from Jar, among others, all amazed us with great musicianship and passion. Never thought I'd hear a pounding "Moby Dick" played live ever again, and it takes a great drummer to do that (Jeff Kathan).

Later, Lynn Sorensen (bass player for Bad Company) absolutely transformed the stage. Inventive, powerful, spectacular bass playing. Thrilling to hear him play a rocking "Helter Skelter" with the young Russ Thornburg on lead guitar.