Music Style Country/folk and country/rock

Artist History Jess Hawk Oakenstar is a guitarist/singer/songwriter born and raised in Zimbabwe, whose rich deep voice and sophisticated guitar work fuse rock, folk and country into her own identifiable style of adult contemporary. She writes and performs "songs with an attitude from a performer without one" (Jim Pane, KVNO, Omaha, NE). Jess lived in New Zealand for ten years, where she performed and toured in various capacities, before working her passage to the US in 1990 aboard a German container ship. Since her arrival, she has been capturing the hearts of audiences from Rhode Island to California, Florida to Washington, with her inspirational songs and smoky delivery. Jess has filled her calendar with hundreds of bookings over the last several years in 36 states and in Australia and New Zealand. She has played at contemporary and traditional music festivals such as Kerrville, TX, where she was a national songwriter competition finalist in 1992, and the Old Time Country Music Contest and Festival in Avoca, IA, where she received two international ambassador certificates. She has charmed listeners in the US on over 100 radio stations including the syndicated "River City Folk" and "The Songbag". Jess has received much critical acclaim for her live shows and her two albums, "Leave a Little Light Behind" and "Your Heart Will Show You", both of which were produced by Jeff Dayton, band leader for Glen Campbell, and feature full band backup. She is also featured on "A Love Worth Fighting For", a 1995 compilation album with Janis Ian, Ani DiFranco, Cris Williamson, Holly Near, Michael Callen and others. Jess is now based in Tucson, AZ.

Instruments Solo guitarist singer/songwriter

Albums "Leave a Little Light Behind" and "Your Heart Will Show You"

Press Reviews Reviews for "Leave a Little Light Behind" Robert Baird, New Times (Phoenix) The acid test of any singer-songwriter album lies in the songwriting, and Oakenstar passes with flying chords...Clearly, this is a big-time talent waiting to happen. Eddie Russell, Country Eastern West (A)fter the last note sounded, I was left with the feeling that I had really heard something. (W)ell written and performed songs delivered right to the target of the heart, and remains still. Side B is 5 stars of beauty. Malcolm Finlayson, New Zealand Country Music Magazine Oakenstar has a strong clear voice almost reminiscent of Joni Mitchell with a touch of Mary-Chapin Carpenter evident in her powerful rendition of "Gold in the Tapestry". Laura Post, New Directions for Women This is spiritual music, beyond quiet sounds and hushed tones. It touches the soul with wise perceptions and soothing piano lines; it is driving rock music, with catchy hooks and delicious lyrics. Holly Sommer, Zassafras News Vol 23 (G)reat well-meshed music and meaning. Rusty Gordon, The Community Voice Jess's debut album, "Leave a Little Light Behind", is pure musical joy. Grega & Jones, OutSounds Her lyrics are sharp, amusing and thoughtful, and include the phenomenal rocker "Gold in the Tapestry"...Her musical hooks are consistently catchy. **************************************************************************** Reviews for "Your Heart Will Show You" Weekly Planet Oakenstar is a politically conscious songwriter blessed with an appealing, unaffected voice and a fistful of solid songs. ...Eminently sensible and never whiney or preachy. Canadian River Music (A)n exciting 2nd album, rock and country with hints of jazz and other influences, an adult acoustic contemporary sound, with an excellent band...danceable and upbeat, with plenty to say as well, couched in thoughtful, intelligent lyrics. (Of the title cut): a superb song and a big favorite here! Rochelle Lynn Holt newsletter, Pine, NC Each composition is totally distinct and unique...Rhythms linger like folksy inspirational spirituals, compelling, enthralling and certainly universal. What a soulful talent and voice. Eddie Russell, Country Eastern West For me it's not just the daring well-crafted songs, but it's also a strong believable voice and a distinctive production. Jess is the total package to my ears and heart. Laura Post, SingOut Vol 39 #4 Oakenstar...brings a global sensibility to her social consciousness, and complex accents to her vibrant, rich singing voice. ...(A) distinctly non-American grace permeates the recording...(D)ecisive lyrics, subtle hooks and an irresistible, clear vision. Graham Reid, New Zealand Herald (V)ery appealing 10-track outing of tight folk-rocking tunes which carry her pinpoint lyrics.

Location Tucson, AZ - USA

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