Legendary guitarist and composer Jason Becker, who has been living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for 35 years, announced the release of an official music video for ‘Crip Tone Night,’ a new song from his upcoming effort ‘The Strawberry Jams.’ The announcement was shared on Facebook.
The announcement detailed the upcoming release and expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support over the years.
“Hey everybody — Team Becker here. Here’s the big news. Next Saturday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day), we’re dropping the video for ‘Crip Tone Night,’ a new song from Jason’s upcoming release, The Strawberry Jams — a collection of songs, demos, and musical ideas straight from the man himself,” Jason Becker’s team announced. “The following week, all of the music from The Strawberry Jams will be available on Bandcamp for free downloads.”
The team emphasized their appreciation for the fan community’s ongoing support.
“We’re sharing it this way as a heartfelt thank-you, out of deep gratitude for the incredible love, kindness, and generosity you’ve shown Jason and all of us at Team Becker over the years,” they continued. “Every one of you has made a difference, and we are truly grateful.”
The statement also mentioned opportunities for fans to support Becker’s ongoing care.
“If you feel moved to support Jason, you can donate directly to his medical trust fund. Everything goes directly to Jason to help with his ongoing care and to give him the resources he needs to continue living his best life, creating music, and inspiring others,” they said. “Thank you for being part of this journey with us and for standing by Jason all these years. We can’t wait for you to hear what’s coming.”
This latest announcement continues Becker’s remarkable journey of creating music despite his physical limitations. It showcases his enduring dedication to his craft and his fans.
Blabbermouth reported that Becker rose to prominence as a teenager in the technical guitar duo Cacophony alongside Marty Friedman. His early career established him as one of the most promising young guitarists in the metal scene before his ALS diagnosis changed the trajectory of his musical journey.
The title “The Strawberry Jams” appears to be a spiritual successor to Becker’s previous work. Wikipedia noted that Becker released “The Raspberry Jams: A Collection Of Demos, Songs, And Ideas On Guitar” as his third studio album on October 19, 1999. This earlier collection similarly featured demos and musical ideas, establishing a pattern of sharing his creative process with fans through these compilation releases.
Becker’s continued musical output demonstrates his resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. Blabbermouth revealed that his latest album “Triumphant Hearts” arrived in 2018 with guest appearances from renowned guitarists including Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. This collaboration with fellow guitar legends highlighted the respect and admiration Becker continues to command within the music community.
The decision to offer “The Strawberry Jams” as free downloads on Bandcamp reflects Becker’s commitment to accessibility and his appreciation for fan support. This approach allows his music to reach the widest possible audience while maintaining the personal connection he has cultivated with his fanbase throughout his career. The collection promises to offer intimate insights into Becker’s creative process, much like its predecessor “The Raspberry Jams” did over two decades ago.
