Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
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Jessie Wills
- Female
- Pittsburgh, PA
- United States
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- Groups (5)
- Photos (4)
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Jessie Wills's Groups
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Save the Music Program...
41 members
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QUOTATIONS
74 members
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SHOULD THERE BE A PITT...
60 members
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THE DESTINY OF LIVE MU...
131 members
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LIVE PERFORMANCE AND C...
28 members
Jessie Wills's Page
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Latest Activity
play Soul Eyes
It is like, hardly nothing, man. But there are a few kids trying hard to hold the marching band together. They have a clarinet, a trumpet, a sax, and a few other instruments, and a drum line. These kids are crying out. Meet Aug 27, 6:30 at school.
Jessie Wills Trio at Little E's at Little E's Jazz Club
October 9, 2009 at 8:30pm to October 10, 2009 at 12:30am
Jessie Wills, John Loverti, Lou Schreiber
Wish I could be there, but you`ll feel my spirit! IZ
Jessie Wills Trio at Little E's at Little E's Jazz Club
October 9, 2009 at 8:30pm to October 10, 2009 at 12:30am
Jessie Wills, John Loverti, Lou Schreiber
Profile Information
- Favorite website
- http://jesstry@hotmail.com
- Pittsburgh Connection
- Born and raised.
- Favorite Pittsburgh musicians/performers
- The ones who can really swing. You know who you are!
- About Me:
- I have sung throughout my life in the Pittsburgh area… performing in church and school, park concerts, local clubs, private parties and KDKA-TV with the late Johnny Costa of Mister Rogers Neighborhood. I then took a detour to raise a family. Several years ago I returned to the jazz scene with the encouragement of family and friends in the industry to once again work locally with a number of fine musicians such as Don Aliquo, Bobby Cardillo, Frank Cunimondo and Dr. Nelson Harrison.
In 1998 I made my first trip to the west coast to perform with my good friend P. J. Oh and began traveling often to Los Angeles to sing with P.J. as well as Ron Kalina, Marty Harris, Tamir Hendleman and others.
Additionally I worked with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra under the direction of Chris Riddle and the Alex Iles Ensemble at the Los Angeles Music Center.
In 1999 I recorded my first CD entitled “What’s in Store?” composing the title song as well as the lyrics for Frank Rosolino’s "Blue Daniel," Mal Waldron’s "Soul Eyes," Eric Susoeff’s "Nova Azul" and Denny Zeitlin’s "Quiet Now." Personnel included are P.J. Oh – piano/arranger, Joe Plutschow – bass, Joe LaBarbera – drums, Lorca Hart – drums, Larry Koonse – guitar and Jim Self – tuba.
In 2001 I released my second CD, “Faces” which reunites the players from my first CD with the addition of Ron Anthony – guitar, Darek Oles – bass and Alex Iles, Bill Booth and Alan Kaplan – trombones. “Faces” is a mix of standards, originals and jazz tunes that I’ve provided with lyrics.
I had the pleasure of doing a guest appearance with Jim Self and Pete Christlieb at Pittsburgh’s Manchester Craftmen’s Guild in a concert that was filmed for PBS.
I have been the featured vocalists with Nelson Harrison’s Jazz ‘N Jive combo at cocktail lounges and jazz concerts since 2001.
Jessie Wills' singing career had its beginning in Pittsburgh, PA, the geographic cradle to many jazz greats. While in high school, Wills hooked up with Johnny Costa, best-known for his work on the popular children's TV show Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Following a stint with Frank Cunimondo, she stepped back from her career to raise a family. Returning to jazz in 1993, she appeared at jazz venues in and around Pittsburgh, performing with such local jazz musicians as keyboardist Jeff Lashway and organist Gene Ludwig. Wills has also been part of the big band scene, working with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and the Tim Bassett Big Band. In 1998, she began commuting between Pittsburgh and the West Coast, where she appeared at such jazz venues as the Café de Sole with pianist Marty Harris and other jazz spots. Her maiden album, What's in Store, released in October of 1999, presents a playlist of popular and jazz standards. Wills also contributes some compositions to the effort. One of the main features of this album is the presence of tuba player Jim Self, whose big instrument works melodic magic as he joins Wills on several of the cuts. Still moving back and forth between the Steel City and the West Coast, Wills worked with Bobby Cardillo in the Pittsburgh area. ......she uses it (her voice) to great advantage with an exceptional ability to give meaning to the lyrics of each song she presents. Perhaps this is a result of her own songwriting activities. Whatever the case, based on her initial album, Jessie Wills should continue to excel as a jazz vocalist. ~ Dave Nathan, All Music Guide
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Jessie Wills's Photos
Jessie Wills's Blog
Alan Bargebuhr - Cadence Magazine Review – December, 2000
“In Jessie Wills, we find straight forward simplicity of style and an openness of voice that is both sanguine and sweet. It is her “Thousand Eyes” that is the preeminent version of the three (I reviewed this time) with some astoundingly linear tuba playing by Jim Self. When Wills scats against his melodic burrowing, there is something metaphysical in the air. Frank Rosolino’s "Daniel" hits a lighter-than-… Continue
Posted on January 10, 2009 at 7:12am — 1 Comment
Comment Wall (21 comments)
- At 11:35pm on November 4, 2009,
Luther DeJarunett said…
- Hi Jessie! I'm just stopping to enjoy your great vocals! I've been intending to ask you who the tuba player is on My Romance. You did a great job on this tune, and being an old tuba player myself, that of course caught my ear.
- At 3:28pm on October 7, 2009,
Doug Jackson said…
- Best of luck to you, Jessie
- At 12:47pm on September 27, 2009,
Vince Taglieri said…
- Jessie,
I enjoyed playing with you at Ron's the other night. Hope to see you and play with you again soon. My Romance is one of my favorite songs!!!
Vince
- At 8:55pm on September 13, 2009,
Brother Black said… - Hey Jess,
Thanks for being my Jazz Buddy !
BB
- At 5:38pm on April 12, 2009,
Kent Bey said… - Greetings... I am establishing a live Jazz Night on a Wednesday between 7pm to 10pm at a very nice, clean, and classy venue in the East Liberty area. The evening will feature local Pittsburgh musicians like Tony Campbell and many others performing for a very appreciative audience of jazz lovers.
I am a Pittsburgh native and local youth arts advocate attempting to expose young up and coming artists to the heart and soul of pure Pittsburgh music culture and traditions as they meet and learn from some of the local Music Masters. If you are interested in hosting a Wednesday night once a month or every other month I would be humbled and honored to make this happen.
Respectfully,
Kent Bey
412.657.3327
kbey7@royaltribemusic.com
- At 1:54am on February 27, 2009,
Jerry Butler said… - I would love to feature "you" as my guest on my show..If I am not your friend..please add me...also please call me @ the offc at 757 538 3540...757 971 3733 for details...click on the banner below to be a guest...JB
- At 2:36pm on August 17, 2008,
Don Cerminara said… - Your choice of material is impeccable. The guys around you (that guitar...and the "changes") I dig. Blue Daniel, Caravan, Soul Eyes,,,,just hip. Let me know if you live elsewhere, or work around town some. I'll fall in...nobody does these tunes! I'm the "be-bop fanatic"....Donny C
- At 5:50pm on August 14, 2008,
Donna Bailey said… - Jessie,
You sound amazing! I hope to meet you and hear you live soon!
Donna
- At 2:01am on August 13, 2008,
Elizabeth "Betty" Asche Douglas said… - Hey Jessie, it's been a while since we ran into one another, but I'm glad this network allows for connections and reconnections. Best.
- At 9:18pm on July 2, 2008,
Andy Yalch said… - Hi Jessie
Long time no see! Hope things are good for You!
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The Future of the Jazz...
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