Audio By Carbonatix
The Jack Wharff Band is more than just a viral TikTok sensation. They are the next big thing in country music — even though they cannot be defined by one specific genre.
I am a firm believer in this group and I am excited to introduce you to them!
The Jack Wharff Band, which was founded out of Richmond, is obviously led by frontman Jack Wharff. He is joined by percussionist Garrett Howell and bassist Ryan Atchison (known together as The Tobacco Flatts) as well as guitarist Evan Novoa. They are often joined by Jack’s brother, Luke, on the mandolin.
Wharff is only 21 years old. Novoa is only 18. The others are in that same general ballpark. I only bring that up to say that they are young. This is an up-and-coming group on the front end of a meteoric rise.
Who is the Jack Wharff Band?
Here’s the thing. The modern label of “country music” is often used more as a blanket term for any kind of music with simple harmonies, stringed instruments, and lyrics that tell a story. It is a genre that has evolved and expanded beyond the days of the “traditional” artists like Jimmie Rodgers, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Emmylou Harris and even more “modern” artists like George Strait or Miranda Lambert. The Jack Wharff Band is the perfect example!
Although they are signed to Big Machine Records in Nashville, they are hard to define. Their sound falls somewhere between bluegrass, outlaw, rockabilly, western swing, southern rock, bro-country and blues with just a dash of grunge. They pull a little bit from everywhere as a picky jam band, if you will.
I like to throw out names like: Tyler Childers, The Band, Benjy Davis, The Red Clay Strays, Arcade Fire, Trampled By Turtles, The Stews, Shakey Graves, Ryan Bingham, Kings Of Leon, John Prine, The Dirty Guv’nahs, Brent Cobb, Greensky Bluegrass, Flatland Calvary, Turnpike Troubadours, Mt. Joy, Sturgill Simpson, and Próxima Parada. None of those artists/groups make any sense together but that is what makes The Jack Wharff Band so unique!
Their performance of ‘Messed Up Kid’ at CMA Fest is a great introduction. The song was first made popular by Childers but The Jack Wharff Band makes it their own.
I first discovered The Jack Wharff Band on TikTok. They traveled to various college towns across the southeast last fall to play right smack dab in the middle of various campuses, like at Ole Miss.
It was one of those things that could go either way. I wasn’t sold at first because some of these pop-up bands on social media are a viral sensation for a day or two and then disappear. They don’t have the “it” factor. The Jack Wharff Band is not one of them. They kept popping up on my feed and I kept listening.
Sometimes they go electric. Sometimes they go acoustic. I made sure to see them perform both sets at CMA Fest. ‘Moonshine Man’ is even better when Atchison breaks out the standing bass if you ask me…
Jack Wharff’s life looks drastically different today than it did just a few years ago after he gave himself to Christ. His song ‘Washed’ is the band’s latest release and, not only is it an absolute banger, it really tells the story of his journey. I challenge you to listen closely to the lyrics!
As you can see, stage presence is not an issue for The Jack Wharff Band. Their high-energy performances are part of what makes them so fun. Wharff needs the guys around him just as much as they need him. That is not often the case with these kinds of groups! It is a symbiotic relationship.
Not only did Wharff sign a record deal and commit himself to the Christian faith in just the last six or so months, he also married his wife, Hallie, at the beginning of May. Things are happening all over the place!
Jack wrote the song ‘Picture Perfect’ for Hallie. I think it’s pretty creative. The ladies love it.
The Jack Wharff Band is set to drop their debut EP, Richmond’s Most Wanted, on June 20. I fully expect that release to be the start of something huge. Count me in. Stay tuned to BroBible for more!