Jess and The Bandits
London Showcase
It was a cold dreary and wet evening in London town, but that was all about to change and I was about to go to Texas! Well Ok.. not technically Texas but there was Texas BBQ, it was hot and Texan Country Singer Jess was there…. Yes I had arrived at the Jess and The Bandits Showcase.
The event was held at The Social and as soon as you walked in the door you were hit with the smell of amazing BBQ. The Texas BBQ was made up Howard Meat Co (He actually studied under a Texas Pit Boss)
But the reason we were all there was to hear new music from Jess and The Bandits. If you don’t them here is a bit of background
Made up of brothers Ricci and Louis Riccardi on drums and guitar respectively, Dave Troke on bass, Steven Reid Williams on keyboards/guitar and of course Jessica Clemmons on vocals, each member of the Bandits brings with them a storied history of country creativity. Influenced by their musician father, brothers Ricci and Louis Riccardi were playing Country and Blues music from a very early age. Whilst studying in the US they learned the Nashville Number System, a method of transcribing music, which they rely on heavily to this day. They later joined forces with fellow bass player David Troke, a musician who shared the same influences and aspirations. Last to join the group was singer-songwriter and piano player Steven Reid-Williams, a musical kindred spirit, and one of the most recognised keyboard players on the scene.
Like many, I had seen Jess before as a solo singer, and whilst she has always been fabulous, I think being part of a band really brings out her personality on the stage. Jess jokes it because they so actually get along!
The band were ready and the music started . They kicked off with the catchy Ready set, followed by Single tonight which had everyone singing along. They slowed it down with a personal favourite of mine You can’t stop me This allowed the vocals to really shine through.
https://soundcloud.com/jessandthebandits/youcantstopme
If you haven’t heard there version of Witchita Lineman you must, its beautiful!
Jess and The Bandits much-anticipated album ‘Here We Go Again’ which will be released in the Spring of 2015.
Heading up the release is rousing single ‘You Can’t Stop Me’ out on the 16th February. With Jess’ show stopping vocal centre stage, and a prominent ballsy Nashville production ‘You Can’t Stop Me’ displays the group’s flair for the contemporary Country love song, and will not disappoint!
Live Dates:
7th March – C2C Festival London
8th March – C2C Festival London
10th July – Cornbury Festival
25th July – Ramblin Man Festival
30th August – London Music Festival
Photos By Amy at Westney Photography