Seth Lee Jones not only relishes his roots, he actively nurtures them in order to ensure they remain real and relevant. Born and bred in Oklahoma, he cherishes the fertile environs of his native state and strives to keep those influences present and pertinent in all the music he makes.

"After maintaing this trajectory for nearly eight years, I feel like I've developed a writing a writing style that works well for my own songs, while also allowing me to bring new treatments and interpretations as far as my covers are concerned," Seth says. "The process seems to come natrually these days. Plus, for the first time, we're putting an emphasis on original material."

The album Seth refers to is his upcoming release, Tulsa Custom. Due May 24th on the independent Horton Records label (a volunteer-based, non-profit 501c3 that developts and supports musicians in the Tulsa area while also fostering the area's rich musical heritage), the album was recorded almost entirely live in Teegarden Studios in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The studio's namesake, David Teegarden, Sr. - known for his work with Teegarden & Van Winkle, Bob Seger, JJ Cale, and Joe Walsh, among others - played percussion, while Teegarden's son, drummer Matt Teegarden, played drums. Bo Hallford, a staple of the Tulsa scene, is featured on bass, while Oklahoma City's Chebon Tiger, plays harmonica on one of the standout songs, "Good Dog."

"With this album, I didn't feel as rushed as I usually do as far as the production was concerned," Seth continued. "With the last album, I really felt pushed to get it done in a day and a half. Yet it took all of eight hours if I remember correctly. This time, we took more time to set up and get the tones we wanted. We also had access to more and better equipment than we had in the past. We spent three days and maybe 12-14 hours total doing the tracking. We also had some valuable pieces of vintage equipment like mics and guitars that were loaned to us for our use. It was a very generous gesture all round."

The album is distinguised in any number of ways as well. The songs were spawned from a decidedly personal perspective, whether manifest in the searing delivery of "110," the unrelenting drive and determination soaring thorugh in "All That I Ask," the funk-fueled sound that powers "Birds of Paradise," or simply the steadfast strut given songs such as "Mr. Evil" and "Outta My Mind."

"I sat down with the intention of conveying my memories of growing up in these parts during the '80s and '90s," Seth explains. "In that regard, these tales ring true. For example, "Good Dog" was inspired by the story of a family dog in the heroism it showed while saving the life of a feline friend during the epic Tulsa flood of 1984." It's also unique in its brash boogie style played in 5/4 time, an untypical time signature compared to that which is generally employed in the majority of blues and Americana music. 

Then there's "Walter," a rocksteady track written as a loose tribute to the late Tulsa guitar hero Walter Stephan Pryor, a colorful and somewhat mischievious character affectionately known to the locals as simply, "Uncle Walter."

Seth said that the decision to focus on new songs was a deliberate one. "The problem with blues standards is that they get covered and re-interpreted over and over, to the point where there's nothing fresh that can be offered," he suggests. "Odds are, the Rolling Stones beat you to it by half a century. That said, we just kind of pick our favorites. I run a democratic ship in my band. We just pick the ones we like that work the best for the three of us."

Interestingly enough, Seth was inspired to build guitars and become a luthier at the same time he learned to play. A third generation musician - his mother, uncles, and grandfather were guitar enthusiasts - he was intially drawn to the music of Ray Charles, but soon discovered guitar held more appeal for him than piano. He also took lessons in order to learn assorted styles.

"I liked to get different perspectives," he reflects. "I find that it's good to ask different people different questions in order to get their different perspective, all in hopes of getting to the same conclusion."

Nevertheless, he started his career as an apprentice for a furniture manufacturer and then discovered that his woodworking skills could translate into being able to build guitars. He explored those interests by enrolling in the Musicians Institute, and pursused his studies at the institute's Guitar Craft Academy where he was taught manufacture and repair of stringed fretted instruments. After graduationg at the top of his class, he went to work for the man who had actually designed the academy's curriculum. He also began teaching manufacture and repair at Tulsa Wood Arts. He carried on his craft through a career that has, for the past 13 years, resulted in his own brand of guitars and the building of 25-30 guitars from scratch each year. He also works in restoration and repair as well as sharing his skills through consulting and teaching.

"I guess it's not normal to be an instrument maker and musician," Seth suggests. "However, it's always been normal to me."

In fact, others have taken notice. One writer declared, "He makes 'em, he plays 'em, and with his Tulsa-based trio, the luthier and slide-guitar whiz is looking to extend the catalog of blues standards."

So too, his slide guitar style and soulful vocals have brought him to the attention of such respected publications as Living Blues, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and No Depression, which sid of his last album, Flathead, "If you need to get whomped upside the head with some slam-bang guitar, Seth Lee Jones is your go-to string-puller. The blues-rockin' Oklahoman demonstrates his prowess on a powerhouse sampling of iconic blues covers..."

The Chicago Blues Guide concurred, declaring, "If you like your six-string free of pyrotechnics, you'll love this one." Goldmine raved, "It's pure electricity," while Guitar World raved, Jones is probably the most ear-catching, head-turning blues/roots guitarist since Derek Trucks."

He was featured on artist and producer Tom Bukovac's popular podcast - Uncle Larry's "Homeskoolin'." Notably too, Dan Auerbach shared Seth's live YouTube videos.

It appears the public approves as well. When Seth recently opened for Robert Cray, he received a standing ovation.

All of which indicates Tulsa Custom will bring him the widespread attention he so decidedly deserves. "I believe in this album more than I ever have before for a number of reasons," Seth reflects. "But mainly it's because of my confidence of us as a team - me, bass player Bo Hallford and our drummer Matt Teegarden. It's a live-to tape-record and an honest representation of the sound we've developed as a bandover the past eight years. We couldn't be more proud to present it."

.