Jatoba’s Jason Scaggs on the Band’s Roots, Hiatus, and Revival
Jatoba has long been a staple of the Northeast music scene, blending bluegrass, rock, and groove-heavy rhythms into a style they call “groovegrass.” Since forming in 2008 in Brattleboro, Vermont, the band—John Jamison (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Jason Scaggs (guitar, banjo, vocals), and Jeff Richardson (upright bass, vocals)—has built a reputation for high-energy performances and unpredictable, spontaneous improvisation.
Their dynamic, multi-instrumental approach sets them apart, weaving intricate songwriting, tight three-part harmonies, driving tempos, and even the occasional beatboxing into a sound that’s distinctly their own. Over the years, they’ve opened for acts like Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, Rusted Root, The Kitchen Dwellers, and Leftover Salmon—all while forging their own path.
After a brief hiatus, Jatoba is back in action, refreshed and ready to bring their signature sound to new and longtime fans alike. We caught up with Jason Scaggs to talk about Jatoba’s journey, their time away, and what’s next.
Roots and the Birth of Groovegrass
Jatoba didn’t start out as a bluegrass-driven band. In its early days, it was just Jason and John, experimenting with a sound that leaned more toward acoustic effects and layered songwriting.
“At its inception, Jatoba was just me (Jason) and John. We were doing this weird acoustic, effect-laden songwriting thing—not so much bluegrass back then,” Jason recalls. “We put out an album called The Dusty Aftermath and the Shaking Pillars of Society, but I don’t think it got too far out into the world.”
They began playing shows and taking runs down South, but something was missing.
“Eventually, we decided we needed a bass player,” Jason says. “We knew Jeff from a previous band, and it just made sense to bring him in.”
That’s when Jatoba’s signature sound—what they call groovegrass—started to take shape.
“It’s like asking someone, ‘Why do you like the color green?’ or ‘Why do you enjoy wasting food?’” Jason jokes. “It’s just what happens when the three of us play. Sure, we can sit down and write a standard bluegrass tune, but naturally, groovegrass is what comes out.”
Musical Influences and Evolution
Growing up in Virginia, Jason and John were surrounded by bluegrass.
“It was instilled in us early,” Jason says. “Players like Béla Fleck, Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, and Sam Bush were quick inspirations.”
But Jatoba’s influences extend beyond traditional bluegrass.
“We all came up in the grunge era, too—Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Blind Melon. Then later, we got into stuff like Radiohead and Stereolab.”
That mix of old and new, roots and experimentation, defines Jatoba’s evolution.
“At first, we weren’t aiming for a bluegrass vibe—we were just writing what came naturally,” Jason explains. “But when you’ve got a strong band, it’s easy to fall into that four-on-the-floor stomp of bluegrass. Over the years, we’ve all grown as musicians and learned more about what makes a song really work.”
Jatoba thrives on live energy.
“It’s a steady back-and-forth with the audience,” Jason says. “When a crowd understands that exchange, it’s a win-win. We can blast through songs or jam into unknown territory depending on the vibe.”
Burnout and the Decision to Step Away
After years of performing, Jatoba hit a wall.
“We were burnt out,” Jason admits. “We still loved playing, but it’s exhausting. Even at our ‘weekend warrior’ level, it takes a toll. Eventually, we all started prioritizing our personal lives more.”
During the hiatus, Jason found himself shifting musical gears.
“I started a grunge rock trio called Old Man Joe. I dropped the acoustic and went straight for the Telecaster. Eventually, Jeff joined that band, too. John kept playing a lot—he and Jeff were in another bluegrass band called The Pickpocket Pickers.”
So, what brought Jatoba back?
“After COVID, we realized we needed to play some f***ing music again,” Jason laughs. “We were itching to get back at it.”
A New Perspective on Making Music
Returning to Jatoba has brought a fresh mindset.
“We’re not trying to be the next Yonder Mountain String Band,” Jason says. “We’re taking a more laid-back approach—still reaching for the stars, but not killing ourselves doing it.”
That’s made all the difference.
“We’re still writing new songs. We’re recording a new album. The moment is always enjoyable. Our fans are still here, and there’s a new scene with fresh ears to reach.”
Jatoba recently released a live version of Ramble On by Led Zeppelin, recorded during a show where they supported The Kitchen Dwellers. But there’s more in the works.
“We’re set up to release singles while we finish the new album. Once it’s done, we’ll do a proper release and put together some kind of tour behind it.”
Catch Jatoba Live at Folky Tonk!
Fans won’t have to wait long to see Jatoba in action. They’ll be performing on Friday, February 21st, 2025, at Photo City in Rochester, NY, as part of Hey Dude After Hours’ Folky Tonk night.
“Come to our shows!” Jason urges. “We’re not making money from merch or royalties right now—maybe down the road—but what we really want is to see you all stomping your feet and ‘grassing your ass’ off.”
Follow Jatoba & Listen to Their Music
Want to hear more from Jatoba? Check them out on Spotify, YouTube, and SoundCloud, and give them a follow on social media!
🎵 Listen to Jatoba:
Spotify: Last Man Standing | Come Back Home | Dave’s Painting
YouTube: Jatoba Music
SoundCloud: Jatoba
📲 Follow Jatoba:
Facebook: @jatobamusic
Instagram: @jatobamusic
Jatoba is back, and if Jason’s excitement is any sign, they’re just getting started. Catch them at Folky Tonk on February 21st!
