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Jessy J

From the moment Jessy J hit the stage in Fresno, California for the first time as a member of super producer/guitarist Paul Brown's live band on Valentine's Day 2006, the love between the 20-something-year-old saxophonist/vocalist and contemporary jazz fans has been flowing nonstop. The growing buzz led to her first major show at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival later that year, and in 2007, as part of the event's 20th anniversary, she became one of the only artists to ever headline shows on all three weekends. Now she is taking it to the next level, stepping out under the Tequila Moon on her multi-faceted, Brown-produced Peak Records debut that brings to the genre a fresh and inspired energy with vibrant exotic twists.

Jessy offers tastes of pop, jazz, Latin, and even Brazilian music on Tequila Moon, which in addition to her Peak label mate and producer Brown on acoustic guitar, features performances by some of L.A.'s most renowned musicians: keyboardists Gregg Karukas, Ricky Peterson and Kiki Ebsen; bassist Roberto Vally; and drummers Oscar Seaton, Dave Beyer and Sergio Gonzalez.

Tequila Moon opens with Jessy in full-on seduction mode, inviting the listener to enjoy a balmy, slightly breezy evening complete with her low toned tenor melody, laid back percussion, Brown's gently jangling guitar and Karukas' retro keyboard sounds. She keeps the smoky and soulful tenor vibe going over the cool grooves of the midtempo ballad "Spanish Nights," which features Brown's hypnotic guitar harmonies and Richie Gajate Garcia's enchanting Latin soundscapes. Next, Jessy takes us down to Rio, playing moodily over an old school samba groove amidst a dreamy, romantic atmosphere on "Sin Ti/Without You;" after Peterson's high impact Fender Rhodes solo, the rhythms pick up and Jessy digs in for some of the collection's most explosive improvisational blowing.

She puts down her sax and graces us with her powerful, sensual vocals on the familiar strains of Jorge Bem's "Mas Que Nada," best known in the U.S. as the signature song of Sergio Mendes. Jessy intertwines flute and tenor with scorching rhythms and sweeping ambiences on the feisty and percussive jam tune that lives up to its name "Fiesta Velada" before chilling out and picking up the soprano sax for the first time on a heartfelt, lyrical reading of Phoebe Snow's "Poetry Man." The melodically compelling, easy strutting Kiki Ebsen-penned song "Turquoise Street" allows Jessy to express her more in the pocket, contemporary soul and jazz chops, while the soaring ballad "PB n' J" (cleverly referring to its composers, Brown and Jessy) offers a passionate, romantic dance between her sax, Brown's guitar and Ebsen's hypnotic piano touches.

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2
Album Review

Jessy J: Second Chances

Read "Second Chances" reviewed by Jeff Winbush


It's a paradox that what distinguishes Jessy J was the very thing she did not put enough emphasis upon; being a female Latin jazz artist. Through three albums of solid, if standard, smooth jazz grooves enlivened somewhat by more distinctive outbursts of originality the lady known as Jessica Spinella stumbled with the blandly generic Hot Sauce (Heads Up, 2011).In every musician's career a time comes when they must choose to follow a path to success chartered by others ...

190
Album Review

Jessy J: Hot Sauce

Read "Hot Sauce" reviewed by Jeff Winbush


The third major album by saxophonist Jessica Spinella (a.k.a. Jessy J) reflects both a reliance on a proven formula and the stirrings of venturing into unexplored territory. Jessy's got a problem. She can attribute much of her success to veteran producer Paul Brown, whose other clients include Euge Groove, Rick Braun and Boney James. Brown is a master of the catchy hook, which makes him more commercial than cutting edge. That's not a bad thing, but it doesn't ...

501
Album Review

Jessy J: True Love

Read "True Love" reviewed by Jeff Winbush


If half of life is just showing up and the other half is timing, then Jessica Spinella's timing is right on time. Smooth jazz is filled to the brim with saxophonists and while most of them are technically proficient, the sheer volume makes it difficult for a newcomer to stand out. Spinella, aka Jessy J brings more than just another pretty face to the party; her infusion of jazz with Latin rhythms gives her a foundation upon which to build.

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Interview

Jessy J: Balancing Serious Skills and Sexy Image

Read "Jessy J: Balancing Serious Skills and Sexy Image" reviewed by Jeff Winbush


How you react to Jessy J depends a great deal upon whether you see her or hear her first.Born Jessica Spinella in Portland, Oregon, the multi-instrumentalist has carved out a sturdy reputation as a musician in the studio and onstage in bands supporting Michael Bolton, Jessica Simpson and Gloria Trevi. In 2007, she released a eponymous debut album that didn't make much of a splash. Her sophomore effort, Tequila Moon (Peak Records, 2008) has been a fixture on ...

314
Album Review

Jessy J: Tequila Moon

Read "Tequila Moon" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


It's hard to imagine Jessy J as one who wanted to play straight-ahead jazz. Yet that was the type of demo she submitted to producer/guitarist Paul Brown, whose style and influence in recorded music is about as far from straight-ahead jazz as one can get. To no surprise, the relationship that developed between Brown and the saxophonist/vocalist has Jessy J fitting comfortably within the smooth jazz format, although her debut, Tequila Moon, has a Latin theme. Born ...

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Recording

Top Contemporary/Latin Jazz Saxophonist Jessy J Releases Debut Holiday Album "California Christmas" October 28, 2016

Top Contemporary/Latin Jazz Saxophonist Jessy J Releases Debut Holiday Album "California Christmas" October 28, 2016

Source: EastWest Media

Launches Pledge Music Campaign To Celebrate The Holiday Season With Special Offerings For Fans All Star Guests Include Jeff Lorber, Paul Brown, Steve Oliver, Michael Thompson, Maurice Smith, and more… In her debut holiday recording, top contemporary/ Latin Jazz saxophonist Jessy J brings a California twist to the season with an upbeat, jazzy, bluesy tropical collection of her favorite Christmas songs with the October 28th release of California Christmas on her Changi Records Label. In conjunction with California Christmas, Jessy ...

1

Recording

Internationally Acclaimed Saxophonist Jessy J To Release 5th Studio Album On May 26 Via Shanachie Entertainment

Internationally Acclaimed Saxophonist Jessy J To Release 5th Studio Album On May 26 Via Shanachie Entertainment

Source: 1888 Media

My One And Only One Is Cross-Cultural Journey of Melody and Emotion Lead Single “The Tango Boy” Features Special Guests Paul Brown and Gregg Karukas Album Includes Covers of Toni Braxton, Shuggie Otis and “Lovesong” by The Cure Record Release Tour In June & July With Fall Festival Dates To Follow Los Angeles, CA: On May 26, Shanachie Entertainment will release the highly- anticipated new album from Internationally renowned saxophonist Jessy J. Dubbed “Sexy... Soulful... Irresistible... Incredible” by Smooth Jazz ...

Recording

Jessy J Inspires With Second Chances, Her Debut Album For Shanachie Entertainment, Releasing September 10, 2013

Jessy J Inspires With Second Chances, Her Debut Album For Shanachie Entertainment, Releasing September 10, 2013

Source: 1888 Media

Second Chances Features Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Jimmy Haslip and Johnny Britt. Album Includes Renditions of Classics by Roberta Flack & Sérgio Mendes Tour Dates, September 10 - December 6, 2013, Include A Show With George Benson and A Show With Sheila E Los Angeles, CA: Jessy J burst onto the contemporary jazz scene in 2008, blending her love for Latin rhythms and jazz on her chart-topping, award-winning debut album Tequila Moon. Jessy earned the Radio & Records' ‘Debut Artist ...

2

Recording

Jessy J Inspires With Second Chances Featuring Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Jimmy Haslip & Johnny Britt

Jessy J Inspires With Second Chances Featuring Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Jimmy Haslip & Johnny Britt

Source: 1888 Media

Album Includes Renditions Of Classics by Roberta Flack & Sérgio Mendes Label Debut For Shanachie Entertainment Due Sept 10, 2013 Los Angeles, CA: Jessy J burst onto the contemporary jazz scene in 2008, blending her love for Latin rhythms and jazz on her chart-topping, award-winning debut album Tequila Moon. Jessy earned the Radio & Records' ‘Debut Artist of The Year' Award and Contemporary Jazz ‘Song of the Year' by both R&R and Billboard for the title track, which held the ...

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Performance / Tour

Jessy J And Cindy Bradley To Appear At Music Venue Near O'Hare

Jessy J And Cindy Bradley To Appear At Music Venue Near O'Hare

Source: Jody Grimaldi

At the heart of the stylish InterContinental Chicago O’Hare is an intimate live music venue that’s been touted by press and fans alike as one of the best in Chicagoland. The Montrose Room is where music lovers unite every weekend for the popular ‘Up Close’ series, a showcase of everything from Grammy winners to cutting-edge local bands, as well as the monthly jazz series. Boasting a state-of-the-art acoustic design and ringside cabaret seating, the Montrose Room delivers an authentic Chicago ...

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Recording

Jessy J, Disney and Selmer Team Up - New CD Coming

Jessy J, Disney and Selmer Team Up  - New CD Coming

Source: Cheryl Hughey Promotions

Jessy J completes her third solo album, returns from Dubai Jazz Festival and gears up for appearances at Disney's Jazz Celebration “both Latin influences as well as mainstream jazz come to her as effortlessly as a spray of Latin samba capping a jazz wave. And it's a tide that seems set to keep on going." —Entertainment Editor Bill Dean, The Gainesville Sun Los Angeles, Calif. / March 9, 2011 Jessy J has announced she will be releasing a new CD ...

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Music Industry

Jessy J Awarded ASCAPLUS, Signs With New Management and Returns to Studio with Paul Brown

Jessy J Awarded ASCAPLUS, Signs With New Management and Returns to Studio with Paul Brown

Source: Cheryl Hughey Promotions

Los Angeles, CA—When singer/composer/saxophonist Jessy J sets her sights on a career goal, she follows through with laser-like precision. Two years and two albums after her auspicious debut on Peak Records/Concord Music Group, Jessy J has been selected by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) for the prestigious ASCAPLUS writing award, announced new management and is returning to the studio with Grammy Hitmaker Paul Brown. After a whirlwind year of touring and being awarded the ASCAPLUS, Jessy ...

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Interview

Smooth Saxophonist Jessy J Interviewed at AAJ

Smooth Saxophonist Jessy J Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz

How you react to Jessy J depends a great deal upon whether you see her or hear her first.

Born Jessica Spinella in Portland, Oregon, the multi-instrumentalist has carved out a sturdy reputation as a musician in the studio and onstage in bands supporting Michael Bolton, Jessica Simpson and Gloria Trevi. In 2007, she released a eponymous debut album that didn't make much of a splash. Her sophomore effort, Tequila Moon (Peak Records, 2008) has been a fixture on airplay ...

494

Recording

Jessy J - Peak Records Debut 'Tequila Moon' out Now

Jessy J - Peak Records Debut 'Tequila Moon' out Now

Source: On Target Media Group

Jessy J - Tequila Moon (Peak Records) in stores this week. The Paul Brown produced Peak Records debut from Latin / Pop / Jazz sax player Jessy J, Tequila Moon brings Jessy J's fresh and inspired energy with vibrant exotic twists to the contemporary jazz world. Produced by smooth jazz icon Paul Brown, the album features performances by some of L.A.'s most renowned musicians: keyboardist Gregg Karukas, bassist Roberto Vally; and drummers Oscar Seaton, Dave Beyer and Sergio Gonzalez. “Jazz ...

"As I listen to TEQUILA MOON, I wonder if this is how I'd have felt on a first listen to, say, Boney James, or Dave Koz, or Grover Washington, Jr., and I'm thinking, "yes" because she's that good! This is one of those cases where you just know… from the music and delivery to her personal drive and dedication to excellence… there is absolutely no stopping this empowered performer. Join us in watching her Smooth Jazz star rise to the absolute top! " -Smooth Jazz.com

"Multi-talented...break through...dazzilng...special! " -Urban Music Scene

" (Jessy) shows off an individual voice and a gift for melodic improvisation..." -All Music Guide

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Photos

Concerts

Mar 30 Sat
Mar 30 Sat
May 12 Sun
Jessy J
Spaghettini
Seal Beach, CA
Aug 11 Sun

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Blue

Changi Records
2022

buy

Second Chances

Shanacie
2013

buy

Hot Sauce

Heads Up International
2011

buy

True Love

Peak Records
2009

buy

Tequila Moon

Peak Records
2008

buy

My One And Only One

Shanachie Records
0

buy

The Tango Boy

From: My One And Only One
By Jessy J

Listen 2 The Groove (Ft. Jeff Lorber)

From: Second Chances
By Jessy J

Videos

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