Jason Brown

[skateflake]

In a comment about Jason's FS music, I never meant to imply if someone liked Simon y Garfunkel, they must be old. I myself love Bach y Handel.

For awhile I thought the main problem with the music was that I am not usually a fan of lyrics (in skating) and I do not like medleys. But I really like Julian Yee's FS. I still think in the case of Simon y Garfunkel, it would have been better to stick with one song, just Hazy Shade of Winter. The recording used has such a tinny sound that did not translate well in the rink.

For costume, I think Jason should wear the felt gray jacket. He only wore it once or twice. Or even the new white outfit he recently wore in Japan.

 

[vla13]

A Jason and Zhenya spotting: https://www.instagram.com/p/BoxZ_iXgl8-/?taken-by=justmeruige

 

[Ross74]

For costume, I think Jason should wear the felt gray jacket. He only wore it once or twice. Or even the new white outfit he recently wore in Japan.

LOVE that costume! I first saw it at the 2017 Nats send-off in Monument and thought it looked so nice on him. It grew on me with every comp that season.

 

[skateflake]

That is the one, thanks for the photo! I love when a man's costume relies on fabric y detailing to make the look. This gray jacket does not belong specifically to any of Jason's programs, in my mind, so I would like to see it again. Looks suitably wintery.

 

[skateflake]

Ahh, the Jason y Zhenya photos are gone! For those who missed them, it looked like they were on a casual hike through a forest or park. So nice to see they are enjoying time off the ice. What a lucky fan to bump into them.

 

[el henry]

Ahh, the Jason y Zhenya photos are gone! For those who missed them, it looked like they were on a casual hike through a forest or park. So nice to see they are enjoying time off the ice. What a lucky fan to bump into them.

What a shame. Between this and the Gracie interview, I guess my habit of trying to fit it all in as soon as possible worked,
.

 

[katmari]

Jason answered some questions from his Japanese fans at ACI and the interview was posted today to youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx0ijBrhA3w

It's always good to hear from Jason directly about all the changes he made this year and what his goals are for the upcoming season.

 

[Ross74]

Ahh, the Jason y Zhenya photos are gone! For those who missed them, it looked like they were on a casual hike through a forest or park. So nice to see they are enjoying time off the ice. What a lucky fan to bump into them.

You can still them on the team_orser insta page or by searching on Jason's tags on his insta.

 

[Mrs. P]

Jason answered some questions from his Japanese fans at ACI and the interview was posted today to youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx0ijBrhA3w

It's always good to hear from Jason directly about all the changes he made this year and what his goals are for the upcoming season.

That was a fun interview. I think with all the changes it was especially interesting!

And Andrew Hallam again! The man recommends the hair salon and the FS music? Jason must really think highly of the guy. Also his SP music came from his sister's yoga class? Nice.

But, it is so obvious how uncomfortable he was (is?) with the free program/music. But for whatever reason Jason wants to see it through -- we'll see how it looks at Skate Canada.

 

[Tavi...]

I thought his demeanor in the interview was really interesting - just a bit more adult, and a slightly more straightforward presentation, if that makes sense.

I also thought it was interesting when he talked about wanting to get comfortable with Brian and Tracy. Zhenya seemed to have a very natural and easy connection with Brian, especially, very quickly, even though she was with Eteri for a long time, and so much is new for her, too - including the language. For Jason, I wonder if it’s harder because he was with Kori for so long, because for whatever reason he just doesn’t have the same natural connection with them that Zhenya does (I mean sometimes you just hit it off better with certain people, right?) or for some other reason.

 

[el henry]

So I went and watched right away, you never know And I said to myself, in the first minute, are they at a pool? And lo and behold.....

Whatever Brian and Tracy's techniques are, Jason doesn't feel like he has any muscle memory to accommodate it. That must be tough

and what yoga class has "love is a b****" in the background?

 

[Mrs. P]

Oh I totally can see that song work in a yoga class, especially one that has vinyasa flow. It has that slow and intense rhythm conclusive to that kind of class.

I think the circumstances for Zhenya and Jason for going to Brian/TCC are slightly different to me. Yes, it's similar that they were seeking change cause of setbacks, but at the same time, I think for Zhenya she was ready to go and make a change -- like she knew it was time for her to go, and she knew she couldn't stay much longer given the environment, her injuries, being older.

I think for Jason, it was a big leap to leave and honestly it took a pretty drastic event, i.e. not making the Olympic Team, to get him to that point. I have a feeling had last season not unfolded the way it did, he'd probably still be with Kori.

I agree with el henry that he's probably somewhat uncomfortable with all the changes they're putting at him. Kori was a bit of a known quantity and Brian and Tracy aren't. I think in past seasons Jason could always relay on muscle memory or a certain training regimen when he came to competition. He doesn't really have that yet with TCC.

I think it's all good though. He'll be better off in the long-run, but yeah....it's not easy right now.

And oh yeah, definitely more adult -- despite holding a big cute minion! (At first I thought he was wearing a minion sweatshirt).

 

[Haleth]

Jason needs to contact the TTC (not a typo TCC fans lol) and become a goodwill ambassador. [emoji23]. I’m glad he’s enjoying TO and we’re happy to have him here! Looking forward to seeing him fulfill his goals this season! [emoji1320][emoji177]

 

[el henry]

Jason needs to contact the TTC (not a typo TCC fans lol) and become a goodwill ambassador. [emoji23]. I’m glad he’s enjoying TO and we’re happy to have him here! Looking forward to seeing him fulfill his goals this season! [emoji1320][emoji177]

I know, that's our Jason, soooo excited about subways and buses. But Chicago has subways and buses too? :think: (and I know some other folks here remember that the original name of the band Chicago was Chicago Transit Authority....)

Maybe if you go walking around some gardens @Haleth you'll see him too

 

[Mrs. P]

I know, that's our Jason, soooo excited about subways and buses. But Chicago has subways and buses too? :think: (and I know some other folks here remember that the original name of the band Chicago was Chicago Transit Authority....)

Maybe if you go walking around some gardens @Haleth you'll see him too

The CTA doesn’t go that far north, ie Highland Park/Northbrook etc. I’m guessing he probably didn’t use it often living there. (Though maybe he used it when he was going around Chicago.) And I'm guessing he did a lot of driving in CS since the rink was like 20 minutes away or something?

This might be the first time he gets to live in the city and live that life. I'd imagine at his age it's SO fun.

For what it’s worth I’m also a public transit lover. I lived in Chicago for one year and had no car and I love being able to get around so easily on the L. There is a certain freedom in not driving.

I wish he gave some restaurant recommendations!

 

[Tavi...]

El - Chicago’s subway system isn’t nearly as extensive as New York’s (not sure about Toronto’s) - and Jason didn’t live in Chicago. He grew up in Highland Park, which is an upper middle class suburb about 25 miles north of the city. It’s very suburban. You drive or take a train into the city. He probably went in to the city with his family occasionally - to the theater, to Cubs games, the museum, etc. The state of Colorado, including its cities, is like a giant suburb if you’re used to Chicago and NYC (like me ). So this is likely his first experience getting to know a great multicultural city. I’m glad he’s taking advantage of it.

I agree Jason probably wasn’t seeking this change in quite the same way Zhenya did, so it’s probably been more difficult for him in some ways. And that he’ll be better off in the long run.

I do recall Tracy saying that they’d thrown a lot at him at ACI to see what would happen, and they’ll probably now pull back. I can’t imagine why anyone thought he HAD to skate to S&G and why everyone got hugely on board with it - it makes no sense to me. But it sounds like he’ll be keeping it, so I hope, Mrs P, you’ll get to see an improved version at SCI.

And I’m glad to hear he wants to be on the US World Team this year - I hope he makes it.

 

[Mrs. P]

The fact that Andrew Hallem was the one who suggested it makes me feel somewhat at ease with it. Namely cause I have generally been impressed with the music choices/programs of his ice dance teams, especially Natalie D'Alessandro/Bruce Waddell. Now I know it's not the same comparison and his teams had choreography from other people, but still, he probably has some say or sense of what could work with skaters.

I think the problem is less the music and more that it just needs more choreography. I hope to see a better version too --- less than two weeks away, insane. I just paid the balance of my Airbnb, so guess there's no turning back now.

 

[Bookseller]

Oh I totally can see that song work in a yoga class, especially one that has vinyasa flow. It has that slow and intense rhythm conclusive to that kind of class.

I think the circumstances for Zhenya and Jason for going to Brian/TCC are slightly different to me. Yes, it's similar that they were seeking change cause of setbacks, but at the same time, I think for Zhenya she was ready to go and make a change -- like she knew it was time for her to go, and she knew she couldn't stay much longer given the environment, her injuries, being older.

I think for Jason, it was a big leap to leave and honestly it took a pretty drastic event, i.e. not making the Olympic Team, to get him to that point. I have a feeling had last season not unfolded the way it did, he'd probably still be with Kori.

I agree with el henry that he's probably somewhat uncomfortable with all the changes they're putting at him. Kori was a bit of a known quantity and Brian and Tracy aren't. I think in past seasons Jason could always relay on muscle memory or a certain training regimen when he came to competition. He doesn't really have that yet with TCC.

I think it's all good though. He'll be better off in the long-run, but yeah....it's not easy right now.

And oh yeah, definitely more adult -- despite holding a big cute minion! (At first I thought he was wearing a minion sweatshirt).

I agree that Jason has been showing a much more adult demeanor since the disappointment at Nationals. He's had setbacks with injuries, but that was his first real career failure. It changed him. He did say at one point, that he had been seriously thinking of making a coaching change, but didn't want to do it until after the last Olympic cycle was over. But after Nationals, he contacted Brian.

I think he's quite comfortable with Tracy. Tracy was very enthusiastic about having Jason join TCC. But he knows that Brian had hesitation, so he probably feels that he needs to prove himself to Brian, and that could add some tension to the relationship from Jason's point of view. That comment from Tracy about Jason laughing whenever he looked over at the boards and saw Brian and Tracy there, and Brian asking Tracy what he was laughing about, is indicative. Tracy knew what he was laughing about. She already understands him and Jason clearly trusts her. And those stroking classes are paying off. I noticed the difference in his exhibition at JO.

I'm anxious to see the FS at SCI. I have confidence that it will be much better than at ACI. But it's like the hair, the coaching change, the move, the new friendships. It's part of Jason's growth and maturation. I do hope they change the costume, though. The blue horror at SCI last year was enough of a costume trauma.

 

[Mrs. P]

I agree that Jason has been showing a much more adult demeanor since the disappointment at Nationals. He's had setbacks with injuries, but that was his first real career failure. It changed him. He did say at one point, that he had been seriously thinking of making a coaching change, but didn't want to do it until after the last Olympic cycle was over. But after Nationals, he contacted Brian.

I think he's quite comfortable with Tracy. Tracy was very enthusiastic about having Jason join TCC. But he knows that Brian had hesitation, so he probably feels that he needs to prove himself to Brian, and that could add some tension to the relationship from Jason's point of view. That comment from Tracy about Jason laughing whenever he looked over at the boards and saw Brian and Tracy there, and Brian asking Tracy what he was laughing about, is indicative. Tracy knew what he was laughing about. She already understands him and Jason clearly trusts her. And those stroking classes are paying off. I noticed the difference in his exhibition at JO.

I'm anxious to see the FS at SCI. I have confidence that it will be much better than at ACI. But it's like the hair, the coaching change, the move, the new friendships. It's part of Jason's growth and maturation. I do hope they change the costume, though. The blue horror at SCI last year was enough of a costume trauma.

Bookseller, you're going to be at SCI right? I look forward to meeting you!

I didn't want to really say it, so I'm glad you said it for me, RE: Brian. I'm trying to recall how Javier's relationship with Brian was when he first got to TCC because I remember that Javier was talented but had to work on being more disciplined regarding his practices. Javier, relatively speaking, was also older when he got to TCC --he was 20. Brian seems to like getting skaters at a certain point in their careers -- namely early, but where they have some basic technical development -- though Stephen G. is probably the first one he got from a very young age. Yuzu was 17 and Jun was a few months shy of 14. Joseph and Conrad (who is more with Lee than Brian) are also still teenagers. And in the ladies, Elizabet was 13, Gabby was 17 and Yuna was 16. Zhenya is 18, so she fits the mold too. So probably getting Jason at age 23 who is seeking some major technical improvements is a bit out of Brian's wheelhouse. My hope is that Jason doesn't let Brian's initial hesitation get to him too much -- what matters is he agreed to take him on.

In any case, the beauty of TCC is there is more than one coach there and as you said Tracy Wilson already gets him and she has a lot of pull at TCC. I think it also speaks volumes, again, Andrew picked out the music -- he has no skin in the game, but obviously saw something in the S&G music and Jason to suggest it in the first place.

 

[Bookseller]

Bookseller, you're going to be at SCI right? I look forward to meeting you!

I didn't want to really say it, so I'm glad you said it for me, RE: Brian. I'm trying to recall how Javier's relationship with Brian was when he first got to TCC because I remember that Javier was talented but had to work on being more disciplined regarding his practices. Javier, relatively speaking, was also older when he got to TCC --he was 20. Brian seems to like getting skaters at a certain point in their careers -- namely early, but where they have some basic technical development -- though Stephen G. is probably the first one he got from a very young age. Yuzu was 17 and Jun was a few months shy of 14. Joseph and Conrad (who is more with Lee than Brian) are also still teenagers. And in the ladies, Elizabet was 13, Gabby was 17 and Yuna was 16. Zhenya is 18, so she fits the mold too. So probably getting Jason at age 23 who is seeking some major technical improvements is a bit out of Brian's wheelhouse. My hope is that Jason doesn't let Brian's initial hesitation get to him too much -- what matters is he agreed to take him on.

In any case, the beauty of TCC is there is more than one coach there and as you said Tracy Wilson already gets him and she has a lot of pull at TCC. I think it also speaks volumes, again, Andrew picked out the music -- he has no skin in the game, but obviously saw something in the S&G music and Jason to suggest it in the first place.

Yes, I will be at SCI. Would love to meet you!

I think that Jason will handle Brian well and vice versa. They just need to get used to each other. Jason has an amazing work ethic and loves being on the ice, so Brian will and probably has responded well to that. And there is no denying Jason's other qualities. He is amazing on the ice and his ability to connect with the audience is second to none.

And it's clear that he's getting along well with all the other TCC skaters. This is what I was hoping would be the outcome for Jason for the past couple of years. I'm happy that it became a reality!