In the post-grunge era of the late 90’s there seemed to be an endless supply of garage bands waiting to sell their souls to any generous record label that would give them the time of day. Jack in the Pulpit was not one of them. Wesley Gant and Trey Willis, both music lovers and musicians since age thirteen, spent the latter end of their teen years in the music ministry at their church performing every week for over 150 kids. When they started their own band, it didn’t take long for the word to spread. Within the first six months, they had won two Battle-of-the-Bands and were introduced to producer Mike (M.D.) Thompson. In the six months following, they would sell five hundred copies of their first demo, and earn first place in a national Guitar Center/JBL promotional contest, which sent them to Los Angeles to record their first full-length album. Since then, the band has been featured in several national publications and radio stations, as well as podcasts and other media around the world. They’ve shared the stage with such acts as Mute Math, Paramore, Cute is What We Aim For, and Starflyer 59, and have been touring regularly in Texas and Louisiana. In September of 2006 Jack in the Pulpit released their much-anticipated sophomore release, The Dissonance, to 5-star reviews and a growing fan base. The music video for their latest single “12:04” will be released April 2007. With a resume that can out-rock most any other local act in the fourth-largest city in America, it is surprising that Jack in the Pulpit has never been represented by a management agency or label. They’ve worked alone, attributing their success to their music and word-of-mouth rather than gimmicks and excessive promotion. Uniquely inspiring and yet additively familiar, the music of Jack in the Pulpit seems to meld influences from across the spectrum of genres, abandoning all expectations. Rhythm and melody, beauty and dissonance, simplicity and energy; these are central themes to their music and message. Jack in the Pulpit is about more than interviews and record sales, which is evident when asked why they do what they do. In Wesley's words, "It doesn't make much sense to have a microphone in front of you and not have anything to say. If I can make a difference in someone's life through lyrics or an inspiring piece of music, that's worth more to me than being some big rock star.” It’s difficult not to find something to like about these guys, no matter who you are. There’s no doubt that with every song, every show, and every interview, they will continue to gain more fans. The best part will be watching it all happen.
