Jett City
Seattle, Washington, United States
Music
Press
Unique in the annals of tribute bands, the cleverly named Jett City kick "all Joan, all the time" without resorting to cheesy impersonation or black hair dye. Rapidly becoming a staple on area stages, they celebrate the repertoire of one of rock's truest true believers. It's the perfect soundtrack for a sodden night out. - The Seattle Weekly
Although Jett has evolved -- Grant has been a fan since he saw her with the Runaways in 1977 -- the fierce 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll' image with a mullet and heavy eye makeup still carries weight, even with the band members. 'We want to rock,' Sweeney said. 'We appreciate her style. That's what drew us to her music -- that and her eyeliner.'
Although some pronouns and some arrangements have changed, Jett City remains faithful to its inspiration's punky rebelliousness. Unlikely as it might sound, Grant is somehow reminiscent of Jett. Perhaps it's his intense quality, perhaps his hair. And like the woman he pays tribute to, he has a signature frame for his eyes. - The Daily Olympian
They know cover bands are supposed to sound and look like the people they emulate. But following in the spirit of the mistress of misspent youth, they don't need rules and they don't need anyone telling them what to do.
But hello daddy, hello mom, they channel rock's wild girl when they do "Cherry Bomb." Even though the riffs and percussion are right-on, the first tip-off that Jett City is not out to imitate Joan Jett is that their frontman is, well, a man. Who is not in drag.
Following on the gender-bending heels of Hell's Belles, an all-girl AC/DC cover band, Jett City isn't afraid to mess with people's perceptions if it'll broaden their appreciation for Joan beyond her '80s repertoire.
"I love how fierce she is. I love her energy," (bassist Suzanne) Sweeney said. "When you're in high school and the good little girl and not very rebellious, Joan Jett is your patron saint of audacity. She totally says what she means and she speaks her mind. When I was in high school, I totally wanted to play her stuff. I thought, 'Wouldn't it be great to kick ass like that?' And here I am." - The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
I’ve yet to see Jett City but their demo is rocking and I dig the fact that they mix it up by having male lead vocals with female back ups...the demo made me curious enough to want to check out Jett City live. - The Tablet
Discography
2005 Demo: Crimson and Clover, Spinster, Insecure
2007 Demo: Cherry Bomb, I Hate Myself for Loving You, Fetish
Photos
Bio
JETT CITY is a Seattle-based tribute to the godmother of riot grrls, Joan Jett. Combining punk and pop in a feisty brew of big hits and obscure B-sides, JETT CITY covers songs from Joan's entire 30-year recording career. From her earliest days with the Runaways through her latest CD release (2006's Sinner), JETT CITY honors the creativity, integrity and longevity of this amazing rock pioneer.
JETT CITY is not an impersonation act, nor is the band peddling 80's nostalgia -- rather, this is a loud, punk-influenced rock band playing all Joan all the time. The band turns gender-roles upside down, with women propelling the rhythm on drums and bass and two guys on guitars. Jess' role as lead singer, in particular, creates ironic shifts in meaning.
Jess founded the band in the summer of 2004, and Suzi was the first to enlist in the project. Both of them were big fans of Joan's -- Jess had been lucky enough to see her play with the Runaways, and Suzi knew her work from 80's MTV. Jess had also seen Joan play in the mid-90's with Evil Stig, a collaboration with the surviving members of the Seattle punk rock band, The Gits (a project that raised money for the investigation of their singer Mia Zapata's then-unsolved murder).
In the Spring of 2004, Jess talked with Joan about the conviction of Mia's killer (made possible through new advances in DNA forensics), and the interview was published on the cover of Seattle's Real Change News. The interview experience inspired him to think about starting a tribute band. If the ladies in Hell's Belles could play AC/DC, why shouldn't he pay tribute to his favorite Rock Goddess?
An accomplished singer/songwriter in his own right, Jess had the skills and connections to make it happen. With Julie Jett (also of Cathouse) on drums and the recent addition of Markie Jett on lead guitar, the band is now ready to rock Joan Jett's music to the Seattle scene and beyond.
Recent band accomplishments include:
Opening for Super Diamond at the Showbox
Headlining a Home Alive benefit at the Crocodile
A nomination by the Seattle Weekly as Best Tribute Band in their Readers' Poll
A booking at Seattle's Pride Festival
Wanna be our "friend?" You can also find us at www.myspace.com/jettcity
Links
