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Jessi Bair, formerly of Madisonburg, was selected as one of 38 indie music artists to be featured on "Songs for the Cure" for 2010. The two-disc set benefits the American Cancer Society.
The 23-year-old recording artist was born in Tennessee but raised in Madisonburg where her parents, Kim and Mark Bair, continue to reside. A singer-songwriter and guitarist, she graduated from Penns Valley High School and Penn State University.
Her song "Open Hearted" was chosen for the album by competition, she said. She delivers it in her young, clear voice with a touch of raspy hook, accompanied by her acoustic guitar-playing.
Bair said she wrote the song about her mother, and listeners hear the wisdom of their own mothers in lyrics like "You've got your own book to write." The song's refrain, "I'm still here, open-hearted," is hard to shake once heard.
Bair wrote and played acoustic pop during her university years, she said, and now performs her acoustic Americana music with Noah Wotherspoon. She has been compared to Townes Van Zandt and Patty Griffin.
Griffin's music, in fact, made an indelible mark on her at age 15, she stated, when her aunt Carol took her to see the star in concert.
Bair has released an EP, "Home Recordings," available on Itunes and Amazon mp3, and is working on a long-playing CD.
Her music may be heard at www.myspace.com/jessiebair and her photography seen at jessibairphotography.com.
"Songs for the Cure" may be previewed and purchased through music.cancerdrive.org.
- By WENDY STIVER - Lock Haven Express
Discography
Jessi Bair "Home Recordings"
Ishkabibble Music 2009
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Bio
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Jessi Bair originally hails from Drummonds, TN, right outside the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock & roll, Memphis, TN. At 22, she’s an old soul, singing with an emotional sensitivity and maturity reminiscent of Patsy Cline and Patty Griffin. Griffin made an indelible mark on Jessi at age 15, when her Aunt Carol took her to see Griffin perform live. Music has always surrounded her – singing since she was three and walking the line of a family tradition that has produced three generations of musicians.
Bair has also developed into a prolific songwriter, drawing upon a diverse mix of influences – Bob Dylan and Buddy Holly, as well as contemporaries such as Priscilla Ahn and Shawn Colvin. She has a deep love and respect for the early folk blues of Geeshie Wiley and Blind Lemon Jefferson –especially unique for someone her age. Her vast taste makes for an extremely dynamic and provocative live show. Time seems to stop when Jessi begins to sing.
Jessi is a defiant yet humble artist. She naturally transcends the bandwagons and transient fashions of the day and is more interested in writing and singing honest songs. Jessi thinks, plays and lives her music with a sense of timelessness. Quite a contrast to the “make-it-big-now” shallow urgency of many of today’s young musicians. She is simply striving to continue doing what she loves the most, making music and performing. Her soulful, nuanced guitar-style and spell-binding vocals weave a rich musical tapestry that is all her own.
Bair has just finished a successful tour of the east coast and midwest. Her latest album is in the works and due out later this year. It is by far her favorite to date. Her sophomore release, recorded in Nashville TN was well-received. Youtube posts of songs from the album have garnered thousands of hits and are flooded with positive responses from fans around the globe.
Jessi Bair is a true, beautiful talent. Her voice is bound to bring some much needed empathy, inspiration and timeless beauty to what seems to be an increasingly fast-paced and disconnected world.
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