A brilliant flame
As is the case with many excellent folk acts, Jason Spooner's lyrics often take center stage. It doesn't hurt that Spooner's smooth voice, simple and sharp guitar, and polished back-up band (Adam Frederick and Reed Chambers) provide the perfect canvas on which to paint what he's described as songs with "broad strokes" (as opposed to "very literal accounts or thematic 'songwritery' songs"). Spooner, who played at this spring's South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, and who is opening for Dar Williams at the Old Port Festival this weekend, recently released a live album, Live on the Loft, and his songs are all over Sirius XM satellite radio. He is no stranger to being honored for his songwriting and musical talents. But no doubt this Portland-centric prize, bestowed by his local fans, is special for a guy who so values his roots. | JasonSpooner.com
Runners-up
1_Eric Bettencourt
2_Chriss Sutherland
3_Vanessa Torres
