The Jackson 5's Michael meets Al Green in Jason Diaz, who soulfully delivers his own Motown-flavored arrangements with full presence and authenticity.

This shy young guy inescapably draws comparisons to the young Michael Jackson - obviously in his look, replete with glorious 'fro - but also in his sound and feel. And it's real, ladies and gentlemen. I'm not even sure he's trying for it or would desire such comparison, but it's there.

Diaz mentions influence by Robert Johnson, whose Delta blues guitar, singing and songwriting moved many greats to follow, including Muddy, the Stones, Zeppelin, Clapton, Hendrix and Dylan; and by Donny Hathaway, great spiritual soul genius who is also no longer with us.

There's been some talk of Diaz's sound resembling Maroon 5, but it's a weak, unflattering comparison that, if anything, should be read the other way around.

It was a joy to have Jason Diaz and his supporting crew in the studio to lay down his prodigious, natural musical talent in audio and on video, live.

 
Jason Diaz - Hey Girl - Luxury Wafers Sessions from Luxury Wafers on Vimeo.

Although the title and his amazing gift of soulfulness suggest Stevie Wonder, you can surely hear Diaz's Led Zeppelin influence in the intro and exit of Isn't She Beautiful.

The rocking guitar riff on Innocence sounds strikingly like Black Dog, while the sadder Aftermath has a John Mayer feel on guitar.

You'll hear a melange of influence in Diaz's guitar playing and arrangements, but his writing, playing and singing, particularly, are a singularly profound experience.

Listen to the tracks (option/click to download):

Aftermath

I Guess I'll Never Know

Isn't She Beautiful

Forsaken

Jason Diaz Myspace

More Photos from Jason's Luxury Wafers Session @ Chessvolt Studios