It's tough to decide what's most striking about young Jessie... her vocal skills, her energy and showmanship or the depth of her interpretation as she takes your breath away... song after song.
Jessie attended the Berklee College of Music last year as the recipient of the World Scholarship and invaded the Boston Blues scene by performing with many of New England's notable blues artists. She was selected by the Berklee Vocal Department to perform in both Singer Showcase Concerts where the school showcases their top vocalists. She has been invited to return to New England and join the Boston Blues All Stars opening for "Dr. John the Night Tripper" and the venerable, Grammy award-winning "Delbert McClinton" at the Reel Blues Fest 2003.
As the lead singer for the L.A. based high-voltage blues act "Jessie and the Raindogs" she led the band to great performing opportunities and successes including the Verizon Emerging Artists Award, 2000 Los Angeles Music Award - Best Blues and the honor of being selected to play in the Bluestock Festival in Memphis, TN and the EAT'M Conference in Las Vegas.
With arrangements and original songs by bassist Jose Payo and killer guitar work by guitar men Johnny Stachela and Tom Romero; funky beats by Steve Kim and Benny Golbin and his mighty saxophone...the band has made their mark on the Los Angeles blues scene playing such Los Angeles venues as B.B. King's Blues Club, Cozy's, House of Blues Foundation Room, Harvelle's, The Mint and The Derby.
In a music scene that's largely image-driven and corporate run, Jessie Payo stands out as a performer that is uncompromising in delivering audiences her high-energy, heartfelt blues -- with deep respect for the original, classic blues, combined with the vitality of contemporary blues.
