JeConte

JeConte's performance in Austin, TX was so powerful that fans from the street filled the venue to capacity. These guys are tremendous live and great to work with. JeConte is extremely talented on the harmonica and an incredible performer. We were very proud to host their showcase at SXSW.
--
Brian Teplitzky
Vice President of Artist Development
Platform One Entertainment

- Platform One

I wanted to send a very sincere thank you for yesterday's event at Molotov. It was successful by all definitions and the talent at the venue was incredible. The professionalism that you and everyone associated with you showed yesterday was unbeatable. We look forward to having JeConte back in Austin.

Chad Womack
Owner/Operator

The Chuggin' Monkey
The Dizzy Rooster
Molotov - Chad Womack Owner Molotov

Cue “Colorado,” an all out celebration of funk and rock, and more importantly, the first track on Jeconte’s 2009 album, Sweet Northern California. The perfect showcasing of the band’s rock/funk style, “Colorado” is the most upbeat song on the album. But don’t let that mislead you into thinking that’s where you should stop listening; while for the most part the rest of the album tones it down a couple notches, providing a slowed down exhibition of the Jeconte’s more soulful, blues side, the lyrics and instrumental talent not only maintain their original impressiveness, but also progressively become more unique and enjoyable.

The greatest thing about this album is that you can turn on any track and hear a completely different influence or sound in each song. While “Downtown Brown” provides the listener with a return to soulful blues, one could seriously mistake “Where to Go” as a track off of one of Bruce Springsteen’s albums. All in all, the band can best be understood as the voice of Bruce, the soul of Ray Charles, and the musical stylings of Blues Traveler all in one. While on the topic of Blues Traveler, one cannot help but mention the similarly impressive harmonica playing of Jeconte. The unique Texas Blues/ Jazz/ Funk harmonica style stands out on almost every song on the album, though I found that “Get it While You Can” allowed me to truly appreciate the talent and versatility that Jeconte’s playing exhibits.
Having already rocked New Orleans during Jazz Fest 2010, among other festivals and concerts, Jeconte seems to be making its way onto the jam band music scene with a unique sound that people have been waiting for. While I am still undecided on whether or not the album provides enough jam band, take- your- shoes- off and dance in the grass music, the range of tracks from upbeat to slow and soulful to somewhere in the middle certainly speaks to the versatility of the band and the diversity of the songs on this album. So while the future hopefully brings more dance- worthy tracks, one thing is for sure: with this album, “I’m here sittin’ on the porch lettin’ the world go by.” And there ain’t nothin’ wrong with that.
Key Tracks: Colorado, Get it While You Can, Where to Go
Michelle Caley – MuzikReviews.com Contributor
July 1, 2010
©MuzikReviews.com
For Questions Or Comments About This Review Send An Email To info@muzikreviews.com - Michelle Caley – MuzikReviews.com

What an evening of music! I think everyone that was able to make it to Mojito on July 19 would agree. The night started simmerin' hot with a collaboration of Bay Area artists that came together for our cause, JeConte and his gang, pumping out a couple of sets of some NOLA inspired tunes. Featured in this southern inspired alliance: JeConte rippin' on harp and vocals, Glenn Hartman on accordion (a member of the Klesmer Allstars), Chris Haugen on Weisenborn Slide, Matt Cohen on acoustic guitar. While the these guys were servin' it hot, For the Bayou was dishing out savory Louisiana red beans & rice, a New Orleans favorite. Enter...The Southern Troubadours: Anders Osborne, Clarence Bucaro & Jumpin' Johnny Sansone. In their quite compact and sweeping West Coast tour, they came straight off the bus and on stage to deliver exactly as promisedŠ an amazing, up-close and personal, Crescent City-soul-inspired acoustic show. The night was steamy for a Sunday in the city and gave many of us who are either from or love Louisiana, a much needed, soul-filled night of music.

Thank you to Anders, Clarence, Johnny, and the crew from JeConte for a great night of music and fun and all for dedicating this show to For the Bayou. A big thank you to Mojito and staff for hosting and to JeConte for his support and enthusiasm of our cause. Thanks also to Rueben Williams of Thunderbird Management for inviting us to be a part of this show! - Forthebayou.org

LE FESTIVAL AU DESERT - ESSAKANE, MALI 2010

Le Festival au Desert - or the Festival in the Desert is an annual concert in Essakane, Mali, showcasing traditional Tuareg music, as well as music from around the world.

In January 2010, JeConte joined legendary musicians on the main stage of the Festival in the Desert: Cheick Tidiane Seck, Habib Koite, Mangala Camera, Will Calhoun (Living Colour), and Charlie & Adama Oramé of Fantani Toure’s band. JeConte also played with Mangala Camera, Boubicar Sidibé, Terkafte, and Timbuc 30 while in Mali. A ‘JeConte Live in Mali’ CD is in the works. Look for more info on Mali online on JeConte's film website 'Search for the Soul:' http://www.searchforthesoul.com

JeConte is also starting a non profit that focuses on bringing green technologies to compromised cultures in order to help preserve their musical heritage...
Non Profit: SOULNOW
http://www.soulnow.org

“Having JeConte perform at the ‘Festival in the Desert’ was magnetic, not only did he light up the stage when he played, but his energy at the Festival was highly inspirational and contagious. We look forward to having him, and his band, back next year to energize the Festival in 2011.”
- Phillipe Angers & Manny Ansar - Founders and Directors - Le Festival Au Desert

“It was an incredible experience to play with Cheick, Mangala Camera, and all the great musicians at the ‘Festival in the Desert.’ There is something spiritual and magical about Mali, and I recommend the journey to anyone. Come join us there in 2011 for Timbuctu’s thousand year anniversary - it is going to be very special indeed.” - JeConte - Phillipe Angers

“Anchored by bandleader Joe Conte, JeConte embodies soul, talent and a creative energy that is hard to find. We look forward to having JeConte’s independent song writing and synergistic style back at KRSH.” - Linda Seabright, KRSH Radio - Linda Seabright