Jasper began his musical career as a classical guitarist
studying through the Suzuki Method with Sarah (Reetz) Jensen as his
teacher. Group class were mandatory and so he was in a lesson
twice a week and began playing “gigs” with Sarah’s Suzuki Guitar Ensemble right
away. He attended Suzuki Guitar Institute in Brandon Manitoba 2 years in a
row, first with clinician, Heidi ___ from Calgary, AB and the 2nd
year; Andrea Cannon from Huston TX.
Because Sarah Jensen went into early retirement, (new husband,
new home, new job & new baby,) Jasper made the switch from Classical guitar to
Rhythm guitar and his new group became the family string trio. Classical
Guitar training served him well as he could use classical techniques to develop
acoustic guitar leads. One of the neat things he was able to
do with his guitar learning was to pass it on. He had his cousin, Madison
Lorentzen, playing in no time. A high-light of his teaching year was
attending the International Peace Garden Guitar Workshop with Adam Granger of
Prairie Home Companion. (It was his 2nd year with Adam Granger
and thanks to Jasper, Madison’s first.) From that point on Jasper attended
concerts that fueled his enthusiasm for Bluegrass Music and sought out rhythm
guitar clinicians at the Cross Ranch in ND, among the bands were Chris Stuart
and Back Country, Monroe Crossing & Cedar Hill.
It was at the jam sessions, (Cross Ranch and Gateway Mall,
hosted by the Bluegrass and Old-time Music Association of ND) that Jasper began
picking up the bass, which is now his primary instrument. The local
players were the best and he has many great memories of the Missouri River Boys,
Cottonwood & Moose Creek. Because of his Suzuki ear-training the
bass came naturally. He has been basically self-taught with the exception
of a Bluegrass clinic at Bismarck State College where Blue Moon Rising of
Tennessee was doing the instruction. “Old Hat” was born, beginning
with fund-raising, banquet and holiday gigs. Jasper has had the honor of
playing at the ND Capital, Heritage Center and Bismarck’s Bluegrass Festival.
Before moving out of state the Dakota West Arts Council did a 30 minute
documentary on Old Hat and it aired on their community access television station
weekly. Since moving to Indiana he has continued performing and recorded
one CD with OLD Hat; Old Hat Retro. Another CD focusing on gospel music is
in the works. To get an idea of what kind of venue’s have been played go
to Old Hat Schedule to find out.
