Album Notes

Sitting around in my room
Wondering what I can be with my life
I know that there’s nothing in my way

Jesse Free’s song Inspiration. He sings these lines, thinking about what lies ahead.

After twenty-odd years of experiencing what life has to offer, singer/songwriter Jesse Free has finally been able to capture all of his emotions and put them onto a 12-centimeter disc called Magic Letterbox. Magic Letterbox was produced, performed (with the exception of drums), and recorded by Jesse, and mixed by Phil Jimenez (Wheatus). As described by Goodtimes Magazine, it is “...a culmination of music reminiscent of the simplistic genius of Credence Clearwater Revival and the untamed blues of The Doors, mixed with the more modern songwriting of Dave Matthews and even John Mayer.”

Goodtimes nailed it. As a child Jesse was consistently engulfed in the classic rock sounds of bands like the Beatles, The Doors, and CCR. I think I was uncool as a kid. As my friends were all learning guitar solos to Metallica’s Unforgiven, I was studying the Beatles harmonic structures, says Jesse. In college, the young singer/songwriters, including artists like John Mayer and Howie Day really began to leave their mark on Jesse. However, it is not just their music that has provided inspiration for Jesse. Closely observing the careers of his aforementioned contemporaries, and marveling at their sky-rocketing success has provided Jesse with the inspiration that he needs to leave his old hobbies and jobs behind, and to give music his all.

Jesse dedicated the last two years of his life to recording his album. The devotion to his craft proves effective on his ten-song LP. However, touring is now essential. It is almost impossible to get music out to a vast audience without live performances being the main focus. With this understanding, booking performances at different venues all around the country is now becoming Jesse’s main focal point. As Jesse prepares to go out on the road, he is gathering up his essential belongings, including his toothbrush, a guitar, 1000 Magic Letterboxes, and most predominantly, his dreams and desires to get his music heard. My music is an expression of who I am, and my job is now to infect other people with my feelings, explains Jesse.

Like a disease, but one that makes you feel good, Jesse’s music is spreading. Via word-of-mouth and word-of-web, his live shows and studio recordings are being rapidly circulated beyond the confines of Jesse’s hometown, leaving his ever-increasing fan base with one question: when can I get more?