Indiana born and raised, Jason Wilber is mostly known as a guitar player. Since getting the gig (some might say, dream gig) playing for legendary singer/songwriter John Prine fourteen years ago, Wilber has served in the same role for a virtual “Who’s Who” of Americana singer/songwriters. Iris DeMent, Greg Brown and Todd Snider are just a few of the artists that Jason has backed up over the past decade or so.

In addition, he is also an active solo artist, releasing eight CDs over the course of his career. And these releases provide ample evidence that his songwriting is every bit as strong and evocative as his guitar playing. Like the impressionistic artists that he says he is drawn to, his lyrics (supported by wonderful country and folk-influenced music) paint in words the same kinds of pictures—at once specific and universal. Between his recording and touring (both on his own and with other artists) Jason hosts a radio show—“In Search of a Song”—for WFHB out of Bloomington, Indiana, which is where he still lives when not on the road.

In performance, Jason sings and plays his songs with intensity, while between songs his humorous storytelling keeps the mood from becoming too serious. His songs, like “The Quakertown Optimist Club” and “The Ballad of Amazing Grace and Sideshow Dan,” show that he has the ability to communicate his sense of humor in song, as well. He was in Lancaster recently as part of the Wood Stove House Concert series. After the show, I had an opportunity to ask him a few questions.

FT: How did you get the John Prine gig?
JW: Well, I grew up in Indiana and started playing in bands when I was 14. One night my band was playing in a bar called the Blackbird Tavern when in walks John Prine. My band was playing with another band that night and someone from the other band somehow talked John in to playing some of his songs with them. The guitar player in that band came to me and said, “I don’t really know what to play here. You’re pretty good at following people; do you want to do it?” I jumped at the chance and spent the evening playing John Prine songs with John Prine. He was so impressed that I didn’t hear from him for 10 years. (laughs) Then about 10 years later I get a call from John’s manager asking if I wanted to audition. That was 14 years ago and I’ve been with John ever since.

FT: You’re still based in Bloomington, Indiana. Have there been any advantages to being there rather than someplace like Nashville?
JW: From a business standpoint, maybe. But from a quality of life standpoint, being in Indiana is much better. Plus, in Nashville, everyone’s a musician. Here I kind of stand out a little bit more.

FT: Given that you’ve been a sideman so long, are you more comfortable in that role or as a frontman?
JW: At first, I was probably more comfortable as a sideman, but as the years have gone by and I’ve performed more, I have to say that I’m equally comfortable with both.

FT: Your between songs patter is very funny. Does the humor come naturally to you?
JW: Thanks. I think it does. Over the years I’ve learned how to emphasize it more.

FT: Your songs are excellent. Has anyone covered any of them?
JW: I haven’t really pursued that too much. I have had a few covered by people you probably haven’t heard of, except maybe a guy named Ray Bookbinder, who recorded “The Ballad of Amazing Grace and Sideshow Dan.”

FT: Musically you and Prine are different, but your lyrics kind of remind me of his. Has this style of lyric-writing something you have always done and how much of an influence has he been?
JW: Well, working for so long with someone as good as John, there’s a good chance that some of him might have rubbed off on me. But these are the types of lyrics that I have always been drawn to. And, hopefully, as I keep doing this I will keep getting better at it.

FT: Great show tonight. Thank you for your time.
JW: Thank you. No problem at all.