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There is a saying in Eastern Europe that Turks and Bulgarians are born with one leg shorter than the other. This theory explains why most of their dances are in 7/8, 9/8, and other lopsided time signatures. We can’t say whether or not this fact is true for the Turks. However, we can tell you that bassist Jason Flores was born with one short leg. This biological fact is thought to explain his lifelong attraction to both left leaning time signatures and politics.
Jason studied jazz composition, music theory, and world philosophy at the University of New Mexico before leaving to pursue a wider spectrum of musical interests. Jason’s previous flirtation with Middle Eastern and Balkan music became focused when he met Armenian American master clarinetist Souren Baronian in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jason learned much of the nuts and bolts of Turkish/Armenian music and rhythm from Baronian’s workshops and concerts. Jason has spent his time since moving to Portland, Oregon in 2000 studying, transcribing, and performing ethnic music, gypsy jazz, and swing. His original compositions combine these eclectic influences.
He tours the left coast as a member of the musical supergroup Taarka. With Taarka he has played such festivals as Folklife, Bumbershoot, The High Sierra Music Festival, and Earthdance. As a participant in the Everyone Orchestra, Jason has backed up Steve Kimock, Alfred Howard, Jenna Kraus, as well as members of the Animal Liberation Orchestra, The Motet, and The Scott Law Band. He has also backed up Master Armenian dancer and musician, Tom Bozigian. As a longtime fan, when Jason heard that Vagabond Opera was in search of a bassist, he contacted the band immediately — the rest is history.
