Jake McCandles isn’t just a bluegrass musician—he’s a torchbearer of a tradition that runs through his blood. From the time he first picked up a guitar at 12 years old, music wasn’t just a hobby; it was a calling. Raised on the echoes of family gatherings where his great-grandfather led kinfolk in song, Jake’s roots stretch deep into the heart of true, old-time bluegrass. The sounds of the Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and Reno & Smiley weren’t just records in his home—they were tothe foundation of his musical identity.
Yet, while Jake’s soul is steeped in the ancient tones of bluegrass, his vision pushes forward. Influenced by the progressive stylings of J.D. Crowe & The New South, The Country Gentlemen, Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers, and Seldom Scene, he weaves tradition with innovation. Inspired by legends like Charlie Waller, George Shuffler, Norman Blake, Doc & Merle Watson, and Tony Rice, his playing blends soul, precision, and storytelling in a way that honors the past while carving a path for the future.
Jacob’s vision and goal is to inspire a new generation of bluegrass musicians by creating a form of progressive bluegrass that is heavily influenced by the ancient tones of folk and early bluegrass. Whether it’s the lonesome wail of a high tenor harmony, the intricate drive of flatpicking guitar, or the warmth of a melody that feels like home, Jake McCandles delivers music that bridges generations. With every note, he’s not just playing—he’s keeping history alive while forging the next chapter in the story of bluegrass.