Artist description Jessie Rae has been performing "roots pop with a blues edge" throughout the Pacific Northwest for over two years. They are a full-service acoustic/electric band that combines lots of sounds, styles and attitudes with heartfelt songs. They released their debut CD "A Tribute to Jill" in which Joan M. Meyer pays tribute to her late sister. Two tracks from Jessie Rae's debut release are featured on a compilation disk called "NW Foundations" which is hosted by the Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. Jessie Rae's "A Tribute to Jill" made CDBaby.com's best-sellers list for September 2000 winning a track on their CD compilation given free with all sales at CDBaby.com.

Music Style Roots Pop with a Blues Edge

Musical Influences Neville Bros/Pretenders/Aimee Mann/Booker T & The MGs/Rickie Lee Jones

Similar Artists Chrissie Hynde, Aimee Mann, Cowboy Junkies

Artist History The members of Jessie Rae first met when they earned their living as travelling forest workers. No matter where they went, they would pack their guitars and drums and find a way to play music together. They’d just pitch a tent, set up the drums, plug the guitars into a pig-nose amp and start jamming. Joan Meyer, Lauren Semler and Jeff Graham have found ways to play together ever since.

Group Members Joan M. Meyer: vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards, songwriterLauren G. Semler: guitar, bass, backup vocalsJeffrey D. Graham: drums, percussion

Instruments Vocals,Guitar, Bass, Drums, Percussion, Keyboards

Albums A Tribute to Jill

Press Reviews 1) Two LouiesOregon MusicJanuary 2001The Good The Bad and the UglyS.P. Clarke"A Tribute to Jill-Jessie Rae Bassist/songwriter Joan Meyer has a vocal delivery somewhat similar to that of Chrissie Hynde (or more currently, perhaps Aimee Mann), but manages to take her music in decidedly different directions from Hynde, incorporating elements of Jazz and Folk into her presentation. Here, along with Lauren Semler on guitar and Jeffrey Graham on drums, she carves a niche for herself and her band."Something I Said" is a shimmering piece of work, that captures a sort of Roxy Music feel and appends it to a catchy Pop song. "Laced with Sugar" reaches for a mood similar to those of Kate Buse, with a "yiyiyi-yihi." "Safe and Warm" ricochets with an upstroke Reggae rhythm and a rubbery syncopated bassline and a memorable melody, slightly reminiscent to Matthew Wilder's "Break My Stride." Very nice. Sounding something like the work of early Heather Nova, "Think Twice" reverberates with incandescent warmth.Joan Meyer displays a knack for unique combinations of sounds in association with heartfelt songs. While her productions are fairly bareboned, there is strength and sinew in her music."2) www.atnzone.comTuesday, October 24, 2000AMbearmanor@home.comJessie Rae A Tribute To Jill"The components that make up this 3 prong acoustic-based band are Joan M. Meyer doing voice, bass, guitar, and keys. Lauren G. Semler on guitar, bass, backing vocals. And Jeffrey D. Graham giving out drums and spoons. Spoons? Don't worry. Our team owes more to an alt-rock Bonnie Raitt than a Jim Croce, and soft rock tracks like the beginning 'Bittersweet' make life worth living. Easy going.'Something I Said' is filled with twisting bed springs and drums, as the voice asks 'Was it something I said / or was it all in my head'. Sparse words float around this beauty, as it does with follow up 'Laced With Sugar', before getting into blues country with 'It's a Pity'. A full service band giving you lots of sounds, styles, attitudes. But mostly a gentle kindness you don't hear too often anymore. This is what I carry away from Jessie Rae. And I'm very thankful for it.3) Willamette Week ReviewVolume 27, Issue 5December 6, 2000"...'A Tribute to Jill,' shows polish and a lot of promise. All the elements are there: The sultry and sleepy voice of Joan M. Meyer, expressive guitar work with blues flourishes, and a steady rhythm section..." —Scott D. Lewis

Location Portland, Oregon - USA

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