Jess Graham

Short Bio:

Equal parts poet, composer and musician, Jess Graham brings audiences to rapt attention with pure vocals, well-crafted tunes and vivid, flowing lyrics. A regular performer in Toronto since the release of her debut album in 2005, Jess began appearing at venues and festivals further afield in southern Ontario in 2006, including the Shelter Valley Folk Festival. 2007 brought a summer hiatus because Jess became a living organ donor. Following the successful recovery period, Jess relocated to Huntington, West Virginia, where she is getting acquainted with the local scene.

The Music:

She started out as a Jessica, but friends always end up calling her Jess. Equal parts poet, composer and musician, she's got a lot to sing about, and people are listening. Her pure vocals and well-crafted tunes charm the ear; her vivid, flowing lyrics grab the audience's attention and refuse to let go.

Jess counts among her many musical heroes such artists as Suzanne Vega, Aimee Mann, Beck and, of course, Joni...People speak of vocal qualities reminiscent of Dido, or Feist, or Norah Jones, but nobody can quite put their finger on it; Jess' voice is truly her own.

Some of her songs are more mysterious (see the budding buddhist poetry of Beauty); others are plain-spoken, wry tales (Different is one example). Her songs shine their best in "listening" rooms, when people can follow the trail of words and notes every which way it goes.

The five songs available through SonicBids were all recorded in 2007. With the help of Michael Lake, Jess recorded guitar tracks first and then laid vocal tracks on top. Each track was done in one or two takes. Jess performs with ease and grace in the studio or live on stage.

The History:

After releasing her debut live album in Toronto, Canada, in 2005, Jess got her stage legs with steady Toronto gigs. 2006 brought out-of-town shows and performances at various regional festivals, including the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, thanks to her selection by audience and jury as a finalist in a local performers' showcase. Her jurors heard a graceful voice, a unique perspective, a clever turn of phrase - all signs that this emerging singer-songwriter is one to keep an eye on.

2007 took an unexpected turn when Jess discovered she was an ideal candidate to be a living organ donor. She and the recipient have since recovered from the successful surgery. Jess says of the experience, "this hasn't been an easy process, but it was an incredible opportunity for many people to show their generosity and talent in supporting the two of us. This was a life-changing event; I have no regrets whatsoever."

Following a successful recovery for both herself and the recipient, Jess found herself reevaluating her priorities, and moved in 2008 to join her partner in Huntington, West Virginia. Now settled in a new home there, Jess is enjoying getting to know the local scene.