Review by Marinda Snow Righter and Brian Geraghty
When Jesse and his band walk on stage, you don’t need to hear a note to know you’re in for something special, like a retro soul throw-down, if there is such a thing. Or better yet, an R&B hootenanny. They look like the house band for a hidden speakeasy that all the cool kids in Europe rave about, even though they are from Boston. But however impossible Jesse Dee and his band are to define, they are guaranteed to get you moving. What these guys deliver is a nostalgia soaked rhythm that is steered by the crooning soul of one of Boston’s brightest talents.
Though the influences are clear, there’s a freshness to Jesse and his band that feels like the uncorking of a raw new energy. I liken it to the scene in Back to the Future when the prom’s bandleader Marvin Berry calls his cousin, THE Chuck Berry, and says “You know that new sound you’re looking for? Well, listen to this!” In that scene, you’re witnessing a classic sound, but seeing it as new and wildly exciting. And when Jesse Dee starts singing- look out- because he’s 1.21 gigawatts of white lightning.
In fact, because of Jesse’s incredible vocal range, catchy guitar licks, and true-showman-from-a-bygone-era-appearance (pompadour hair and Travolta dance moves included) it is often overlooked that Jesse writes all of the songs. And it is lyrically that you realize Jesse is the real deal, songs that feel like therapy from the struggle of a man well beyond his years. Taking a strikingly honest look at his personal journey, he shares all the pain, joy, elation and anguish you would expect from a man three times his age. But its the versatility that reels you right in. Songs are sometimes performed with the sincerity of an intimate apology; other times you find yourself belting the words right back like a heart-pounding gospel revival. I truly feel that the only thing Jesse Dee has to do to make you a fan is to play in front of you.
It was no different Thursday at The Sinclair, loyal fans dancing up a storm in front of Jesse while he won over a trove of newcomers. Supported by a who’s who of local scene journeymen- Johnny Trama on guitar, Jim Larkin on bass, Rusty Scott on keys, drummer Matt “Pie” Beaulieu, Yahuba Garcia-Torres on congas, Jared Sims on baritone sax and brothers Scott and John Aruda on trumpet and sax- Jesse rocked through a set of familiar originals, more than a sprinkling of new materiel, as well as covers of King Crimson, Solomon Burke, Cliff Nobles, Johnny Taylor, Candi Station, and Otis Clay. As always it was a rocking good time, the band so locked in after years of playing together and traveling, home again to triumphantly play one of Boston’s best rooms. Jesse left the stage after baring his soul and giving every last drop of energy until he could give no more. I left the dance floor sweaty, satisfied and excited for what’s next from this time-traveling troubador.
All photos by Rich Gastwirt.
