Jessie Wills

Female

Pittsburgh, PA

United States

Profile Information:

Favorite website

http://jessieloverti@yahoo.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

Website:

http://jazzburgher.ning.com/profile/jessiewills

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