James Sasser is an intense musical character laying out a rhythmic Roots-Pop sound. With one foot planted firmly at the original crossroads of country, blues and rock, his other reaches forward with melodies akin to the Brit-pop sensibility. For his latest, Dip Your Beak, the tracks within are subtly layered with texture and warmth. In some cases 16 different vocals tracks were used to blend together a single blanket of sound and feeling. For others, the simple melodic hook is all that’s needed to convey the feelings of the mood obsessed Sasser. Sasser’s influences are as broad as his appeal, having played before the Cash family, song placement in Henry Weinhard’s beer commercials, X-Dance nominated skateboard documentary “Rip City,” featured in two Failing Records Compilations of Portland, and airplay on numerous country and Americana radio broadcasts. One influence that is the core of his identity is his native Oregon roots, which is evident in his “From the Beaver State” motto/logo. With this album the band has coalesced into a more cohesive form; James on 12string and rhythm guitars, brother Greg on lead guitar/vocals with bassist Phoebe Osborn filling out the lush backing vocals. The foundation is the steady beat of old friend and new drummer Kevin Major. Dip Your Beak is the third album from James Sasser; released on Friday April 10th, 2009. This album, as well as The Melciff and Southside of Sorrow are available at CD Baby, I Tunes, and other online retailers.