Hot Jelly Roll Slides into Star Lake for Concert (Tues., 8/15/23)

“I only talk to God when I need a favor / I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer”: The lines are a clever paraphrase of the language of 12-step groups. The point is that the Higher Power responds best to a more consistent relationship, but will—if asked sincerely—answer a crisis call. That’s what the singer known as Jelly Roll is hoping for in “Need a Favor.” It’s the lead single of his new album Whitsitt Chapel, from which you’ll hear plenty on his Backroad Baptism tour, which he brings to The Pavilion at Star Lake. Good seats are rare, because Jelly Roll (born Jason DeFord) has a passionate fan base. He’s coming from a real-life background that included jail time, lots of substance abuse, and personal tragedies. And maybe what resonates with people is that he offers no simple answers. His songs convey no pride in being a hard-knocks survivor or a recovery ninja; no confidence that his soul has been saved and all will be well. As Jelly Roll sings it, life is complicated and he’s a struggling soul, forever teetering between a leap forward and a backslide. (Try “Save Me.”)  If that sounds like a humbler view, and one more in line with many people’s reality—well, there you go. 

Jelly Roll was the artist’s childhood nickname. A recent New York Times profile described him as “no Taylor Swift,” although like Swift, he has migrated across genres. Jelly Roll began in hip hop, trending hardcore, then moved country-ward to the point where he’s now a CMT Award winner and Grand Ole Opry member. Along the way he segued from rapping to singing, which is not an easy transition, but Jelly carries a tune with deftness and depth. Catch him at Star Lake along with guests Yelawolf and Struggle Jennings. 7 p.m. 665 PA Rte. 18, Burgettstown. (M.V.)

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