Jason Hannan

    Jason Hannan was born in Jackson, Mississippi on April 26, 1975. As the son of country singer/songwriter Hal Windham, he was exposed to music at a very early age. As a child, Jason's first instrument was percussion. He became proficient enough to eventually compete at a national level, performing in the Indianapolis Hoosier Dome in 1991. Around that same time, Jason also learned how to play the guitar, and credits his rhythm playing to his experience as a percussionist.

    After graduating from high school in 1993, Jason joined the U.S. Navy, and was stationed in such places as  Guam, Sicily, New Orleans, and Washington, DC. After  leaving active duty with the Navy in 2004, Jason moved  back to the Washington, DC area. There, he met dobro player David Whitaker and  mandolinist Will Meadors.

   Jason was heavily influenced by the late Charlie Waller's singing and guitar playing. In particular, Charlie's phrasing, tone, and excellent diction were highly influential in the development of Jason's singing style. He was also influenced by John Duffey, Lester Flatt, Lefty Frizzell, and  Hal Windham.

   Jason's sources of musical inspiration and creativity are DC bluegrass groups such as the Seldom Scene and the Country Gentlemen. These bands were known for their exceptional musicianship and singing, as well as their eclectic choice of material. Jason's musical goal is to continue the great tradition of DC bluegrass, both in bringing new material to the genre, and in putting a new shine on old favorites.

    With Waiting For Lester, Jason plays guitar and does most of the lead singing. He also provides tenor and baritone harmony vocals, as well as bass vocals on the quartets. Jason does much of WFL's vocal arranging, and is extremely proficient at looking befuddled and playing the wrong chords during instrumentals.

    Jason plays a 2001 Martin HD-28 guitar, and says it is the best sounding guitar he has ever owned. He is also proficient on mandolin, dobro, and bass. But not all at the same time. Jason insists on using genuine tortoise shell picks, much to the chagrin of tortoises everywhere.

    Jason lives in Frederick, Maryland. He works as an IT contractor for the Department of Homeland Security. In his spare time, he enjoys sports (go Saints!), reading, and tinkering with the WFL website.