Jessie Davis has brought a fresh perspective to jazz music. As a vocalist, pianist, songwriter, arranger, and teacher, Jessie is a force to be reckoned with. Her journey through life and music has inspired her to create a style of music that cannot be placed into one genre. Jessie began her musical journey in Salt Lake City, Utah as a classical pianist. By the age of 15 she had performed at Abravenal Hall in Salt Lake City. Jessie’s dedication to the instrument led her to win various piano competitions and perform throughout the intermountain West. When she entered the University of Utah to continue her studies in classical music, Jessie found herself unsatisfied with limiting her musical knowledge to just one style. “There was never a time in my life when I only listened to one type of music, so why only play one thing?” Jessie has always been inspired by the greats like Herbie Hancock, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Nina Simone. However, artists like Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Buena Vista Social Club, Outkast, and Lily Allen have been just as influential to her. So Jessie hit the road, starting in Boston at the Berklee College of music where she met musicians from around the world who were just as hungry for music and innovation as she was. Her professor at Berklee, international recording artist Vinx, introduced her to songwriting for the first time. In working with Vinx, Jessie had the opportunity to collaborate with musicians and songwriters including Kipper Jones, Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Julie Dexter. This experience also led her to the Atlanta, where she has settled (for the time being). While finishing her jazz studies degree at Georgia State University, Jessie has been very fortunate to be surrounded by more talented and like-minded musicians. Many great mentors have helped to shape the musician Jessie has become. Pianist Kevin Bales, and vocalist Audrey Shakir are just two of her musical gurus. Jessie has traveled through Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean and every experience contributes to her musical concept, and the story she has to tell through her songs.
Jessie Davis is proud to present her debut solo EP, Halfway Between Here and the Middle of Nowhere. The music has been described as “soulful, and silky smooth,” “delightfully unexpected,” “bold, lively, and full of passion.” Jessie tells her story in a way that has never been done before, and that cannot be categorized. Her songwriting and arranging are an amalgamation of everything she has learned on her musical journey. Jessie has an all-star line up of Atlanta’s finest jazz musicians in the band; Melvin Jones on trumpet, Kevin Smith on upright Bass, Marlon Patton on drums, and featuring pianist Louis Herivoux on a couple tunes. This EP is just a taste of great music to come.
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