JESSY J WELCOMES A “CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS”

2016 has been a great year for saxophonist Jessy J. She got married and on October 28th, released her debut holiday album, “California Christmas.” Jessy produced the project that she had been working on since 2014. She released it on her own label, Changi Records. The album was dedicated to her former manager, Stewart, who passed away last year. A few of Jessy’s friends including Jeff Lorber, Paul Brown, Steve Oliver, Michael Thompson, Maurice Smith, Jay Rowe, and more joined her on the album. Christmas is Jessy’s favorite time of year, and creating a holiday album that was a reflection of a “California Christmas” felt like a must to her. Covering holiday favorites with her own blues, tropical, jazzy sound makes this album a welcome addition to fans’ collections. Additionally, Jessy started a Pledge Music campaign–a great way for her to interact with fans.

Listen to my conversation with Jessy:

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Jessy J’s “MY ONE AND ONLY ONE”

Jessy J sets out on a new journey–a journey of love and new beginnings–releasing her fifth album, “My One and Only One.” Jessy demonstrates a diverse variety of emotions and music. Again, she collaborated with friend and producer, Paul Brown. Together, their chemistry shines throughout the entire project. Jessy drew inspiration for “My One and Only One” from love and her travels to Cuba and South Africa. She also beautifully covers “Strawberry Letter 23” by Shuggie Otis and “You’re Makin’ Me High,” originally produced by Paul Brown for Babyface and Toni Braxton. Her first single, “Tango Boy,” is garnering rave reviews and lots of attention. Along with the single, Jessy released a video conveying the sexy, carefree expression of a man living life to the fullest.

She and I discuss how the album came to be:

 

 

Jessy J Flower Hi res

 

“SECOND CHANCES” FOR JESSY J

Haven’t we all wished we had the chance to do some thing over again? Of course we have. According to Jessy J, she too wanted that chance, thus the title of her latest cd: “Second Chances.” It boasts funkiness, sexiness, and grooviness. Being a multi-instrumentalist, playing the saxophone, piano, and flute, and also being a singer and songwriter adds creative texture to the cd. She produced this project herself, collaborating with Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Jimmy Haslip, and Joe Sample. With a collective core of musicians such as that, the outcome is sure to be a winner, and Jessy’s beautiful vocals are sure to enhance the overall tone of the project. She has successfully fused jazz, latin beats, and R&B into each song. The first single, “Listen 2 The Groove,” has just that: a groovy vibe, and her vocals take it to another level.

I talked with Jessy J about “Second Chances.”

Jessy J
Jessy J
Jessy J
Jessy J

“SECOND CHANCES” FOR JESSY J

Haven’t we all wished we had the chance to do some thing over again? Of course we have. According to Jessy J, she too wanted that chance, thus the title of her latest cd: “Second Chances.” It boasts funkiness, sexiness, and grooviness. Being a multi-instrumentalist, playing the saxophone, piano, and flute, and also being a singer and songwriter adds creative texture to the cd. She produced this project herself, collaborating with Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Jimmy Haslip, and Joe Sample. With a collective core of musicians such as that, the outcome is sure to be a winner, and Jessy’s beautiful vocals are sure to enhance the overall tone of the project. She has successfully fused jazz, latin beats, and R&B into each song. The first single, “Listen 2 The Groove,” has just that: a groovy vibe, and her vocals take it to another level.

I talked with Jessy J about “Second Chances.”

Jessy J
Jessy J
Jessy J
Jessy J

SHE’S BEAUTIFUL, SHE’S TALENTED, SHE IS THERESA GRAYSON

It is apparent that Theresa Grayson was born with a gift, a gift that she’s embraced and shares through her music. At the age of 4, she could play all woodwind instruments, the piano, and the guitar. It wasn’t until the age of 8 that she cultivated a lasting relationship with the saxophone. She grew up in musically competitive environments that helped her master her art. Music is her passion, it’s evident in every note she plays. Theresa is also very dedicated to her education. She’s earned two Masters degrees and is pursuing a Doctorate degree. Amid it all, she continues to thrive and excel in every area of her life. She’s worked hard and waited for such a time as this. Her sophomore cd, “Live 2 Love,” is a compilation of soulful cover songs and beautiful originals that mirror anthems of a love story. Her rendition of “Smooth Operator” maintains the authenticity of the original, yet she makes it her own. One of her originals, “Close Your Eyes,” is so captivating, it will transport you into another world. Theresa’s music is just as colorful and vibrant as she is. Grayson’s vocals on “Live 2 Love” are sultry, funky, and oh so smooth. She attributes her work with artists like Kirk Whalum, Marion Meadows, Jeff Majors, Ronnie Laws, and Jessy J with framing who she is as an artist. Her first single is “Afterthoughts,” and her cd is set to be released on November 5th.

Talking to Theresa was inciting, fun, and motivating.

Theresa Grayson
Theresa Grayson
Theresa Grayson
Theresa Grayson