Jason Dea West, "Lone Wolf" // GemsOnVHS™

While this was the first time I'd met Jason, it certainly wasn't the first I'd heard of him. Indeed, his reputation as an incredible musician and interesting character proceeded him. Y'all folks in the audience told me, not to mention his friend and former bandmate Benjamin Tod (in the song "Odea", no less. • Lost Dog street band, ... ). Ben and Jason did a whole mess of traveling together, back in their day. Together they were part of that legendary super group, Barefoot Surrender. Those of you who haven't had the pleasure of hearing those songs ( • Barefoot Surrender on ... ), well I pity the fool!
So when I was asked to go on this little jaunt from Kentucky to Nashville, along their old tramping lines, I knew I had to bring along the camera to document it. It'd been some many years since Jason and Ben had the opportunity to ride together, seeing as they now live on opposite ends of the country, with their own busy lives, so this was a most special occasion. We met up at Ben's property, where he treated us to some of his famous deer heart jerky and all the country fixin's for dinner. We all jammed songs new and old late into the night, talked philosophy and ancient aliens (Aurelia, Jason's partner, knows just how to get Ben ranting!) then headed to bed for an early morning. When the sun rose, we headed to the yard, where we did what you mostly do when riding trains. Waited around under a miserable bridge getting eaten by mosquitoes and talking shit.
Things were said that can never be repeated, friendships were tested, new ones were formed, old stories were dug up and reminisced upon. It was like the glory days revisited, only sober... way more sober. Once that southbound choo-choo finally descended upon us, we were off. Got some god-awful sleep screaming down the tracks on the steel behemoth, and awoke to a beautiful morning across the countryside, reminded of why we go.
It all happened to fast, I'm sure one of my greatest regrets will be not properly getting them to play a Barefoot Surrender song for me, though I did get them to indulge me while the cameras were off. Sorry folks.
Check out more of Jason's world of music here,
jasondeawest.com/
This video was made possible by our executive producers, Irvin Maddox, Amy Ennis, Mark Riley, Jonathon Hammond, Kenny Schmidt, Josh Collins, Edward Siple, Brady Jones, VJ Arizpe, and Richard Harmon.
Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.
/ gemsonvhs
GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
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[@kennethkent4653]

Damn the line " when I am not working hard, I am bound to misbehave" hits home...

[@cravenmoorehead5636]

Deep for sure. I tried to explain it to my wife but cant say it right

[@jackryan444]

“I’ve been driving cattle for the brand, DRINKING IS MY CRIME.” Yea.. feel that.

[@internetuser50]

"You guys might not know this, but I consider myself a bit of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolf pack. But when Gems on VHS brought Benjamin Tod home, I knew he was one of my own. And my wolf pack- it grew by one, so where there two- there were two of us in the wolf pack." - actual quote from Jason Dea West

[@littlebemen925]

lmao

[@JoLoneyMusic]

Fucking gold 🤣

[@jjmcweaver4522]

When I 1st started reading your comment I assumed you were just talking about yourself as some random guy on KZbin posting a comment and I thought is this guy like a schizophrenic who like really thinks that everybody that Follows Gem's knows who he is Or Maybe some Crazy fanboy who's Lost his mind And possibly become a stalker In which case maybe somebody should DM Anthony and Ben And warn them they may have a John Lennon situation on their hands. Glad to see you were just quoting the artist. Lmfao🤣🤣🤣.... Guess I should pay more attention to punctuation I.e. quotation marks!!! 😅

[@papagabba2687]

Who wants to tell him?

[@PabloBanksie741]

Sounds like a Zack galifinakis movie quote from some wedding movie

[@aarondwood6628]

Another musician to add to my list of country folk goodness

[@bugler4481]

I teach an adaptive music class for students with special/behavioral needs. Keeping their attention presents a unique challenge and there was a particular student who was convinced that rap music was the only music worth listening to. I played this for the class and they all dug the heck out it and that kid is now way into folk and bluegrass.

[@kylegordy113]

I too mostly listen to rap, tho i grew up on classic and hard rock and rap ever since a teen that was mostly my go to. However since i found ben and now all these others im obsessed. I always like blue grass just never knew where to find some good american music, Gems On VHS is a service to the american people!

[@brandonfeels]

@@kylegordy113 and what's awesome is that bluegrass music and the banjo is west african roots so someone loving hiphop/rap and bluegrass are just deeper roots of the same tree

[@shable1436]

​@@brandonfeelsmusic has always evolved like that, from the primitive banjos from Africa to the actual special tuning of the American ones, the styles always kept borrowing other cultures to mesh in, take blues for example, how field songs became acoustic ones, then white ppl started playing it, traveling, then you have rock and roll" then British take over, then Americans copy British sound, and then back and forth, same with jazz, and Latin music

[@HexWolfMusic2024]

Rap kid is based

[@brandocomando797]

Freakin awesome 👏

[@clintsellers5603]

It's about time Jason Dea West made it onto the Gems Channel.

[@norbitcleaverhook5040]

I know what took em. Hes the best.

[@GemsOnVHS]

@@norbitcleaverhook5040 he lives thousands of miles away from me.

[@christypowell.]

@@GemsOnVHS Sad to hear. If you can, get him to play a song with his wife. Their music is so beautiful together.

[@Michael-uf1hz]

@@GemsOnVHS your doing the lord's work brother, on the front lines bringing us the true sounds of america. Do what you can and bring us along for the ride, if I ever meet you drinks on me.

[@Wrellashuman]

DAMN right

[@nikkidegasperi1871]

Fantastic song & video. Thank you from one Lone Wolf to another.

[@Weekend_Washouts]

This is my very favorite tune from the Magnolia sessions. Thank you for never disappointing gems

[@koonachota]

"Is that the... sole of your boot?" now joins the list of memorable Gems intros along with hits such as "there was a dead possum here but uhh... it sank..." and "so you're a semi-historian" "well---- barely..."

[@GemsOnVHS]

thank you for knowing the deep cuts

[@koonachota]

@@GemsOnVHS there's so much charm to it all.

[@chickenjoe1003]

haha what video is the possum

[@chonch_burger]

@@chickenjoe1003 "bring back someday" - lost dog

[@koonachota]

@@chickenjoe1003 Bring Back Someday

[@eliwebster509]

If Hank could hear this he would be very proud.

[@Livvisntinlove]

Outlaw 101 right there.

[@jjmcweaver4522]

Best comment so far!

[@olchevy7983]

Ben shaking his fist at Trashville was the best part of the video.

[@kevmoful]

Overran with bachelorettes and wannabes . I’m from Murfreesboro Nashville used to be a unique place now it’s cookie cutter

[@light_and_sound]

@@kevmoful It's still home.

[@rejamrejam]

@@light_and_sound It's still home and people who think there's nothing unique left in Nashville aren't looking past the surface, either. There's still no place like Nashville.

[@adamw4469]

“And Ooooo’Deeeeea, why does everybody I know die?” 10/10 Gems!

[@AtlasRapture]

Hm, I always thought it was "why does everybody I know die".

[@adamw4469]

@@AtlasRapture IT IS! 1) is there anything worse than misquoted lyrics and 2) I have listened to that song HUNDREDS of times and after re-watching their lips you are 100% correct! Thank you and edited!

[@jt7442]

Well now I want to know what you wrote before the edit!! It's always a goof misquoting lyrics. We've all done it.

[@adamw4469]

@@jt7442 “And Ooooo’Deeeeea, why does everybody *gotta go* die?”

[@daniellemasters5391]

"Is that the sole of your boot?" "Yeah I gotta get some apoxy." Can't tell how many times I've been asked that. Has to be one of the best starts to a video. Oh and I seen Ben in there too

[@l_r_a_start_fox8698]

Damn Ben had his work cut out for him as a musician being friends with this guy, lol.

[@WanderIust_]

I love seeing the inspiration they took from one another.

[@GemsOnVHS]

@@WanderIust_ they really did inspire eachother. it's almost impossible for me to tell where ones influence starts or the other. barefoot surrender shows them working together in such an interesting, high-energy time/place.

[@MattStrom]

Thank you Gems as always for capturing the feel and sounds that touch my soul.

[@Ci-D3]

This guy is really talented. I enjoyed this artist very much and can't wait to hear more. Thank you everyone and especially Gems on VHS for consistently putting out gold.

[@nicolemccord1202]

I have a 4 year old who is singing this because I have listened to it so much.Love Gems and am so Happy to find new tunes through their channel. Definitely love Intuitive Compass now too.

[@MoonBeamsAndDreams]

Can't stop listening since I found this man.

[@eliwebster509]

It's so fucking good!!! Thank you Jason, Anthony, and Benjamin!!! So damn good. I relate in so many ways.

[@iwagonburner]

No words , just a deadly song all around 🎶

[@tammysmithers3272]

Wow! Cant wait to hear more!! Benjamin is my favorite but hell there's room!! Y'all so talented!!💜💜💜💜

[@orenbec]

Inspiration. Love. Dreams. Love you Mr. Shoulders! Long time listener. You’ll see greatness yet brotherman. You have a beautiful light

[@gblackburn31]

Pure solid gold right there!!!

[@chrisring7623]

Such a great talented musician. Thank you world for Jason. So glad I got to hear and meet him in hermitage a few months ago. Some of the best songs you’ll hear!

[@mixermanbear.4002]

Brilliant! From one lone wolf to another.

[@PabloBanksie741]

I love happening upon this recording when in a little folk hole. It brings an immediate calming feeling, i slow down w the tempo and just feel free

[@billybishop9]

Another priceless gem!

[@notgoingdownwithoutafight1606]

This channel has brought so much happiness to my wayward life. You play what needs to be played. Thank you for years of great music!

[@kpsmith4241]

That handycam footage looks so good.

[@howardsimter9268]

Feeling "Lone Wolf" Way up in Colorado ... in the Woods 🙏

[@cwxdaf152]

Excellent! Nice guitar too, love the brass.

[@user-qv9dw1kq3q]

Between him Ben and heckler ....I found a whole genre of music I just fucking love!!!! Gemsonvhs I can't thank you enough....Its like there songs were written for me when I here them...no music has ever had such an impact on me!!

[@dustymiller7120]

I love this channel and this guy is instantly among the best i've seen here. Fantastic sound and killer guitar playing!

[@anthonygarden91]

Hell yeah! That had so much soul put into it.

[@screwhypocrisy4706]

Why is it that the loners with so much pain make the most beautiful music?

[@jeremyhamel9230]

Because life is about hardship and experience

[@nealr3dhandfamily346]

Amazing! Love this song.

[@wrecklessrio]

I love this so much. Yall are my idols. I'll never forget the time I was crying on the side of the road, my partner had cheated, I was with my 2 homegirls looking for work in northern CA. A big white van came up and did a U-turn to swoop us-- it was Benjamin todd!! ♡♡♡

[@shable1436]

Swoop us? 😂 Did he make you forget about your boyfriend? 😂

[@wrecklessrio]

@@shable1436 haha I didn't go to the party with them. I wanted to work and found a gig for the night. I regret not going but yea that ex is long gone haha, fuck cheaters !! Can't trust again

[@shable1436]

@@wrecklessrio so you a busker? Or solo performer? I live in VA, so there's bluegrass, and folk everywhere around here, have you ever heard of Floyd VA? That's where I live, Im a regular at a place called Dogtown, if you never heard of the area, Google Floyd fest, it's a big deal around these parts, and I think Jason would love the "crooked road"(Google that too if never heard) it's all around here, it's like a folk circuit, and many gigs are all around for his style, I have tons of friends that play these places from all over the country, I'm guessing you've heard of galax fiddlers convention, well it's right here down the road, the amphitheatre is where I just met sierra Ferrell a couple weeks ago. This area is the Genesis of mountain music, the Carter fold is down interstate 81 to Bristol, which is where most of my old band is from. Although I was raised on that music, and grew up playing it, I ended up playing more jazz, blues, chicken pickin style on fender strats

[@shable1436]

@@wrecklessrio I forgot to say, I love Ben's song about the needle in your hand like a gun, that one he's got on KZbin that has millions of views, that shit hit hard. Be safe out there, Sha from VA

[@pellecoveringsongs]

What a GREAT song and performance!!

[@houseofchoppers]

Dammit that was good

[@kiyagilman969]

I have been listening to this song for the past few years since I found it on Spotify , and just found this video. It hits home . The random shots of the trains takes me back to when i rode . I stopped back in 2012. . Hanging out in the grainer porch outside of the fox hole in the V And watching towns pass by . Not knowing what state I was in or caring . Taking in the scenes . My first ride was a Canadian grainer out of Portland Maine , me and my friend laughed about how we had our own little duplex going on . I played Tetris on my game boy til we left the rigby yard and rode into the Scarborough marsh. Then we lit up a blunt and watched one of maines largest marshes pass us by in a way cars or boats will never see. This song reminds me of every ride I’ve hopped that’s lit only by fireflies through the blue ridge mountains or the slow roll of trestles over cities and valleys and rivers Well done ❤

[@leimaniax]

Good Lord. Brilliant. That’s taken me some places. Thank you Jason, for the incredible music and sharing this talent.

[@seanwilliams151]

What a great performance! 👏

[@delbertbragdon8953]

DAMN I LOVE THIS SONG!!!

[@Heffy90]

hell yeah! just bought the magnolia sessions album and was instantly pumped to see this! Thank you for doing what you do!

[@brendonleary]

Been waiting a long time for Jason, or Intuitive Compass, to make it to Gems.. It was definitely worth the wait.

[@jonathanmiller5089]

What an awesome song! Can't believe I have never heard of him before?

[@joeycarter8691]

This guy is phenomenal..

[@millerk115]

Im a sucker for a one man band... this guy has SKILLS!

[@eugene8910]

Check out Abner Jay if ya like one man bands, he's one of my favourites

[@millerk115]

@@eugene8910 lookin up now! Thanks

[@eugene8910]

@@millerk115 No worries my friend

[@deancheek9499]

Jason d west is my favorite but I recommend The suitcase junket for a one man band👌

[@grantschultz1115]

Wow, thank you-that was beautiful.

[@thecommissionedcarver8050]

I can't stop !! Listening.

[@DarrenRayYagle]

Thank god for guys like you! What a great tune! I love it!!👍👍 Us lone wolf's gotta stick together..🤣🤣

[@littlebemen925]

Love this. Lost Dog Street Band saved my soul years ago, still does. Much like medicine, it is vital to my life. Now I have another great artist to add to my list, thanks Gems!

[@martinmarriott1819]

I like his accidental first line here, before the song even begins: he says, "I lost my soul."

[@dreamcatcher3397]

This song is phenomenal. I've got friends but in the meantime, I really feel what he's saying

[@coywylie5903]

Amazing song and video. I loved every second of it. Just beautiful.

[@zachb8012]

Had a playlist on auto-play and heard this dude talking about Montana where me and about 10 other people live, and instantly recognized this dude's mug with his insane face tattoos. Met him busking in Missoula ages ago, gave him and his friend a couple of joints and hung out down at the river for a while. I remember thinking his friend was a drunk asshole, might've been Ben but I can't be sure. Never saw them again. Small world.

[@bluecrow3755]

One D Tod .pgh pa..they found you on 10 08 22 ..you were gone before that ..... 🎈I miss you already my friend♠........run along wolf brother

[@bryanb8515]

been addicted to this guy and Barefoot Surrender for a few months now. Thanks Gems!

[@walkerhayden2320]

Much respect and appreciation to you brother , I def feel that . I am a lone wolf as well , from ATL

[@maws8810]

What a fun video!!!! I look forward to many more. Im glad I sold you that bass all those years ago🙂 and I love the steel guitar you have now ❤ haven't seen you in forever... you are looking great!!

[@whoaAZN]

Trying to get over this girl, so I wander town with this on repeat. Slowly but surely, Jason’s helping me get there.

[@Bossgodzilla_59]

Thats how I feel these these days..

[@buskerdrew]

This man is just amazing! Thank you Jason O'DEA for the amazing music and energy! You're a G.O.A.T.

[@nomanslee1]

Perfect voice.

[@toadatwood2827]

Yes yes if I had to choose a song to describe myself this fits perfect. I listen to you and intuitive compass. As well as Benjamin Todd. Y’all’s stories is honest and relatable and the music is so catchy and toe tapping. Keep it up Looking forward to your future

[@brianstearskingnothing]

Still listening to this gem 💎 it least once a week

[@jacksonfire92]

I have never heard of you in my life but wow, you are a VERY talented man. And your music is impressive. God bless you and your music ,thank you for sharing it w the world. ❤

[@DanteZ9393]

I wondered if I'd ever see Jason on here with his stuff. Much love brother man.

[@iwagonburner]

I’m learning to play guitar , I love to sing .. this song speaks to me somehow and if it’s the only song I ever learn how to play I’ll be happy with that ! 🎶🎶🔥

[@idlesong]

I LOVE the line, "My weary bones they grind." Beautiful!

[@cincoy3679]

Wow. Love this song. His really good

[@randylayhee1010]

Yet another gem

[@brianstearskingnothing]

Still listening daily

[@TerryDWitt]

Another gem! Thank you

[@justinlovely3204]

This is awesome! 👏

[@user-ye2ck2qq5r]

Good tune. My cat loves it.

[@kenny344]

took me a hard minute to realize that was a tattoo and not sideburns

[@BrandonDickenson35]

Yeah I thought he had a jacked up pandemic haircut or maybe his clippers stooped on that side till I seen the tattoo in another thumbnail

[@adjustablehammer3749]

I didn't realise until I read this 😂

[@Michael-uf1hz]

Yes please

[@comeintotheforest]

Is anyone going to tell him that Minnesota is the opposite direction from Montana, and he is not actually making real good time?

[@OlSmokyDaBear]

Another song that does that is Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show. "Heading west from the Cumberland Gap to Johnson City Tennessee." Ketch said he knew it was wrong but he wanted the character to be heading west.

[@bicdiggity4710]

I feel the same with wagon wheel, you absolutely can not leave west from cumberland gap to get to johnson city tennessee without going way out of your way.....the wrong way. I live in the gap.

[@billybishop9]

He was sleepy or wasted and hopped a train going the wrong direction.

[@jacobi0is0ill]

He’s from Wisconsin so he def knows. But when your “ramblin” I don’t think taking the straightest and fastest route is the goal.

[@Acaizoe]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rISpgmuQo95jqNk

[@martinsejermadsen5674]

love that ben is featuring. you guys seem awesome!

[@andreaskruenert8833]

Yes man,great performance! I love it.

[@CYBERSiMULACRA]

My man mad love from Oregon brother!

[@sophiecrumb9386]

Love the images of trains cut in, gave me the shivers!

[@wyattwinters598]

Seams lately I always find myself on the gems channel lol, it’s funny that I found Benjamin Tod in this video since he’s the main one in my playlist lol

[@reddwing4368]

Thanks.Tony You always come threw

[@RoryLynott]

Jaw droppingly fantastic

[@jaredm7897]

Thank you sir for your helpful lyrics.

[@michaelgeissler8597]

beautiful

[@joemomma80]

I lost my soul too man 😢

[@onixx1l]

i love how that lone wolf is ben tod at the later point in the song that dudes a fantastic wolf

[@bibs7855]

IBEW Tramp. This is how we see the country. Work while here, move on to the next, make your money there keep moving. I'm here for a good time. Not a long time.

[@devaloisquijano2845]

So'Real, and no regrets from those who walk that line...

[@c7customleather]

Where have you been hiding man this is awesome!!!!

[@repetemyname842]

Making Wisconsin proud, keep kicking it brother! Didnt see the sexy sidekick in this vid, hope they are still together, she looks mysterious as all hell.

[@kevinsolove458]

Nice beginning with the "lost soul"... very smooth.

[@emilsmith6056]

Awesome edit. Perfect fit

[@dilap11]

gooood stuff!

[@theamericanforester]

Personal Favorite of mine! 😲 WOW!!!!!!

[@soperific1]

This is a great tune from Jason Dea West.

[@adamh6730]

Great tune 👍 Wicked channel 👍👍 Love from the north 🍁

[@alexandrMGr8]

Very good! I'm gonna check out is other songs. 🔥👍