reviews
Latina Magazine
10 Latinas who ROCKby Grace Bastidas
November 2011
"If you like Esperanza Spaulding, you'll love Jessy J"
"Jessy combines samba, bossa nova, and cumbia with floating melodies and delicious grooves."
» read more
-"Gotta Buy It!" "Feeds Your Soul & Fills You with Goodness"
-"Jessy J reflects glamour and feminine strength"
-"Fusing Jazz and Latin Rhythms"
» more
Voice of America: Jessy J, Blends Jazz, Latin, Samba & Immigration Politics
Jessy J, Blends Jazz, Latin, Samba & Immigration Politics
by Diaa Bekheet
Voice of America
Sept 28, 2011
Washington D.C.
"The rising star, whose songs zip up the smooth-jazz charts, also promoted her new album Hot Sauce. The CD features a rich, sizzling mix of jazz, hot beats, Latin and samba tunes – among them: “Till You Make Up Your Mind”, “Rio Grande”, “Remember The Night”, and Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood”. Eight of the album’s 10 songs are original compositions."
» read more
El Nuevo Dia
August 11, 2011
Maria Cristina Moreno Villarreal
Puerto Rico
“Soy Una Mujer Picante!”
“My music has a message that you can do all the things that you dream of.. dreams can become a reality”
“Tambien tiene un mensaje de que puedes hacer todo lo que propognas…Los Suenos se hacen realidad”
» read more
Las Noticias
August 30, 2011
Antonio Flores- Lobos
Kingston, New York
Making reference to her hispanic roots, Jessy incorporates a Ballad on “Hot Sauce” called “Rio Grande”, and alludes to the river that naturally creates the frontier between Mexico and the United States of America.” “Haciendo alucion a sus raices hispanas, y/o texanas, jesst incorpora en “Hot Sauce” la balda “Rio Grande”, en alucion al rio que hace la frontera natural entre Mexico y Estados Unidos”
» read more
Vida en el Valle l La Movida
Olivia Ruiz
August 17, 2011
Latina Jazz musician brings us "Hot Sauce"
"I love to be involved with Latino culture because it's my roots. The music is filled with passion and emotion and I feel that in the same way I try to capture that when I write my own music as well"
» read more
Voice of America l Washington
Jazz and Classical
August 15, 2011
New Jazz Releases Include Jessy J
Doug Levine | Washington
Jazz is in the air!
Three of today’s leading ladies of contemporary jazz have new releases. Saxophonist Jessy J has been a bright light on the smooth jazz scene since releasing her debut album three years ago. Her latest effort, Hot Sauce, taps into her Latin influences on such tracks as “Meant To Be.” It also includes Will Young’s pop hit “Leave Right Now,” Duke Ellington’s “In A Sentimental Mood,” and eight originals. According to Jessy, who was born Jessica Spinella in Portland, Oregon, the “J” in Jessy J stands for Jazz. read more
Smooth and Soul
Jessy J l Hot SauceHans-Bernd Hulsmann
Smooth and Soul
August 6, 2011
"With Hot Sauce Jessy J exhibits new musical elements in her performance like Latin music and soulful jazz appealing with her sensual diversity beyond the genre" read more
Midwest Record l Illinois
JESSY J l Hot Sauce
Chris Spector
Midwest Record
July 23, 2011
"She’s proven herself mightily in the past but this outing ups her own game." Not to be confused with the vocalist of the same name, especially since this JJ was there first, the saxy lady really turns it up on this new release going for the fusion/smooth jazz parlay and bringing in the full compliment of hitters of the past who wrote the book and are still annotating the revisions. Loaded with the kind of zip that moves smooth jazz out of merely pretty music and into the realm of something you want to be sure to take home, this set is right in the pocket and provides the groove that’s at home in the car, at work, working out, or, simply at home. By all means, add this caliente to your musical stew ASAP. She’s proven herself mightily in the past but this outing ups her own game.
Smooth Jazz Therapy
Jessy J -Hot SauceDenis Poole
Smooth Jazz Therapy
August 26, 2011
‘‘Rainbow Gold’ features Jessy on sax and vocals plus a Sample induced piano intensity that is out of this world. Later, when this stellar collective return for ‘Last Night’ they deliver a jazzy, soul drenched marathon that extends to fully eight minutes and seven seconds." read more
Smooth Jazz Ride
Jessy J - Hot SauceRonald Jackson
Smooth Jazz Ride
August 27, 2011
"Hot Sauce. Could any music project be more appropriately named? Young, beautiful, personable, and mega-talented saxophonist Jessy J is not only running true to form on her latest release, but she’s gone to another plateau with this one. While Tequila Moon, her tantalizing debut, and her sweet True Love follow-up were both more than enough to establish her as a comely force in this male-dominated genre, the lady has knocked it clean out of the park with this offering, her best to date." read more
O's Place Jazz Magazine
Jessy J - Hot SauceD. Oscar Groomes
O's Place Jazz Magazine
August 2011
We welcomed smooth saxophonist Jessy J to the jazz scene with her strong sophomore release True Love. She's back with her third album Hot Sauce, a collection of soulful, smooth and Latin tunes. Jessy adds vocals to her sax attack for the light bossa nova of "We Kissed" written Stan Getz in mind. Saunders Sermons breathes warm vocals into Ellington's classic "In A Sentimental Mood". Jessy shows the influence by Grover Washington on "Remember the Night" with guest artist and co-producer Paul Brown (g). We get a little more salsa on "Rainbow Gold" featuring Joe Sample (keys) and Harvey Mason (d). The varied approach and contagious beats kept us engaged all the way through. http://www.OsPlaceJazz.com
Hector Saldańa:: Jessy J has Texas roots
Comparing Jessy J to most jazz saxophonists is a little like that scene in "Jaws" when Mayor Vaughn is explaining things to Sheriff Brody.>> Read More
Spring Jazz at the Falls presents Jessy J
Jessy J, just 31, has been playing the sax for more than 20 years. Always musical, she started playing the saxophone in band in middle school. Even before she knew how verstaile the saxaphone was, Jessy couldn't put it down. While everyone else was out playing, J would practice - because she wanted to.
>> Read More
Jessy J headlines Tioga JazzFest
>> Read More
Sax Sensation JESSY J Wins ASCAPLUS Award, Signs with New Management & Returns to Studio for Third Album with Grammy Hitmaker Paul Brown
When singer/composer/saxophonist Jessy J sets her sights on a career goal, she follows through with laser-like precision. Two years and two albums after her auspicious debut on Peak Records/Concord Music Group, Jessy J has been selected by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) for the prestigious ASCAPLUS writing award, announced new management and is returning to the studio with Grammy Hitmaker Paul Brown. >>Read more
Sax AppealJeanne Boyer
Inland Empire
Sept 2010
On True Love "The Music follows the rhythm of the city (Rio de Janero), the samba- it's sexy, dancing, rhythm, and the chords of jazz are so lush."
>>Read Article
A Night of Smooth Jazz
Janet Shelton
St. Petersburg Times
Oct 13, 2010
"Jessy J is a great sax player who can steal a show moments after walking on stage."
» read article
Jazz at the GErin Graffy de Garcia
Montecito Journal
Vol 16, Issue 28
July 2010
"Jessy J oozes Jazz. She looks stunning, she moves sexy, she sings smooth and she can really handsomely honk her horn; what's not to like?"
>>Read Article
Latinas in the Jazz World
Mark Holston
Latina Style Magazine
Vol. 16, No. 1 2010
"She’s Latina, and plays the sax and sings and dances, and has that particular passion and rhythm.’ It’s very rewarding to be the kind of artist that reflects what I really am: I am a Latina, and I’m very proud of my parents and where they came from and how hard they worked to provide opportunities for my sister and me.” » read article
Jonathan Widran
Jazziz Magazine
Winter 2009
The Best of 2009 “Critics Choices and Other Voices”
“the Mexican-American saxophonist and Vocalist spins some multi-cultural magic on her latest release True Love”
>> read article
Arizona Daily Star
Chuck Graham
May 28, 2010
“Jazz is always changing to whatever is in fashion…When I’m writing a song I’m thinking, ‘How will this sound 10 years from now?’”
>> read article
Jazziz Magazine
Spring 2010
Today’s Leading Ladies and the Stories Behind Their Music
Jessy J, “evokes the sun kissed shores of Bahia.” True Love, “further conjures moonlit fantasies of a romantic rendezvous set against a tropical backdrop”
>> read article
Scott Barker
Tucson Lifestyle Magazine
May 2010
“her signature style-effortlessly smooth, sassy, Latin-flavored, virtuoso –is very much in evidence on tunes like “Tropical Rain”, “Forever”, and “Somewhere in a Dream”
“anyone that has seen her high- energy live performances knows that the young super star is always ready to go. From the downbeat, she is engaging..”
>> read article
Jessy J –
by Thomas Erdmann, Saxophone Journal Magazine
Jan/Feb, 2010.
"Few musicians, no matter the musical genre, have made as powerful of an immediate impact as this talented multi-instrumentalist and composer."
And what do the critics think of her abilities? David Gibson, Editor of Saxophone Journal, who is notoriously stingy when it comes to certifying saxophonists as talented, recently wrote, “Jessy J is truly a gifted and talented artist. You’ll notice I didn’t say musician. Musicians are more numerous than artists… Art ists are human beings who demonstrate exceptional gifts and skills at what they do… Jessy does it all.” It’s just not possible to earn any higher accolade. >> read article
Rising star Jessy J –
featured on the cover
of Jazziz Magazine
World Music Issue
May, 2008.
How High the Moon
Jonathan Widran
"Aside from bringing her luminous smile, sultry tenor -
and soprano-sax playing, and sensual singing to the mix,
Jessy is single-handedly expanding the demographic
boundaries of smooth jazz in two directions."
>> read article
JAZZ REVOLUCIONADO
PEOPLE Magazine en Español
EdiciĂłn Especial
Los 50 Más Bellos
"Jessy J tenĂa 4 años cuando se subiĂł a un escenario por primera vez e immediatamente el pánico se aponderĂł de ella."
>> lea el artĂculo
Jessy J - How She's Taking
Latin SAX Appeal to the Masses
Music Connection Magazine
by Jonathan Widran
April 2008
"When I first told people I wanted to make solo albums, some said I was crazy, because 'women can't play jazz.' "
Year End charts 2008
Billboard: Year in Music and Touring
Dec. 20, 2008
"Tequila Moon" is the number one song of the YEAR!
>> PDF chart
Tequila Moon - No. 1 — 2008: The Year in Music
Radio & Records — Smooth Jazz >> PDF
Billboard Magazine
August 22, 2009
True Love debuted at an impressive No. 3
on the Contemporary Jazz charts! >> PDF
Currents
By Brian Soergel, Jazztimes
October 2009
"sweet... breezy... brings a bright twist to the classics"
"excellent saxophonist"
Upfront - Celeb Profile
by Scott Barker, Tucson Lifestyle
Feb 2009
"...Wind-Playing Phenom Jessy J"
"Music has been a big part of my life since I was four...I started working as a musician in my teens, and then hit the road in my early 20's and I've never stopped. I enjoy what I do...I really love it." >> more
Growing Up with Disney Magic Music Days
By Catherine Applefold Olson, Disney on Stage Magazine
Fall 2009
Jessy J credits Disney's Magic Music Days for elevating her dream:
"I saw entertainment on a larger scale. It rocked my world to think of
entertainment as more than just playing music." >> more
No. 1, Billboard Magazine
October 17, 2009
"Tropical Rain goes to No. 1" >> more
Billboard Magazine
August 15, 2009
"Tropical Rain is the greatest Gainer"
The week before TRUE LOVE is released
"Tropical Rain" raced it's way up the charts!! >> more
Super Saxy
Jessy, sexy sax per Michael Bolton
La Sicilia
"Preferisco farmi ascoltare alla radio, cosi' sono apprezzata per come suono, non per come sono"
>> read article
Jessy J Wows Jazz Fans with 'True Love'
Doug Levine, Voice of America, Washington
02 December 2009
"Although the jazz world is calling Jessy J its latest arrival, the young tenor saxophonist and singer is anything but a newcomer."
>> read article
Jazz´SAlive offers jazz variety
By Jim Beal Jr.
San Antonio Express News
photo by Lori Stoll
"The flute´s loss was the saxophone´s gain."
>> read article
Smooth Jazz Therapy
The very best from the world of smooth jazz and classic soul.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2009
Jessy J l True Love
"´True Love´ is already well on the way to emulating the success of ´Tequila Moon´."
"It opens with the handsome smooth jazz vibes of ´Tropical Rain´ that has already captured top spot on the Groove Jazz chart of most played on contemporary jazz radio. This recognition is a mark of the buzz that surrounds most everything that Jessy J now does"
"she evokes the cool essence of Astrud Gilberto"
>> read article
First Review
True Love l Jessy J
by Woodrow Wilkins, July 2009
"Her sax performance is sensationally enticing"
"Jessy's Blues shows the more edgy contemporary site of Jessy J"
"Very authentic and emotional"
"Jessy reveals her fresh and unspent vocals in combination with her sax skills"
>> read article
True Love
By Jeff Winbush, All About Jazz
Jessy J | Peak Records
September 09, 2009
""...expressive innovator busy setting trends instead of following them.""
>> read article
VENTURA COUNTY RECORD
Making a case for smooth jazz
By Erik Hayden
08/27/2009
"The emerging saxophonist/singer has struck a tenuous balance with both traditional and contemporary jazz. She professes love for both. And with her impressive live performances and vocal prowess, she´s captured a loyal following. "Improvisation is the backbone to jazz," she maintains. "[But] music is music. It doesn´t matter if you´re playing a harmonica or organ, as long as you´re engaging others and making people feel good."
>> read article
Saxophonist and singer Jessy J returns with True Love as a featured performer with Guitars and Saxes
TAMPA BAY newspaper
Sept. 28, 2009
"....brightest jazz stars"
"Jessy captures the cool essence of Astrud Gilberto "
>> read article
JESSY'S JOURNEY
By Bill Buckley, Soul and Jazz and Funk:
News (UK)
Take a dip with Jessy J
Tuesday, 13th October 2009
"hottest new artists on the jazz circuit"
"Jazz Breakout Star…"
>> read article
Super Saxy
Smooth-jazz vixen Jessy J is either a sax talent or a product of savvy marketing - or maybe both
Jazztimes, June 2008
"As a female musician I believe it's important to be feminine while allowing the power of my music to be heard."
>> read article
Jessy J
Jonathan Cunningham, Boward Times
May 29, 2008
"The sexiest sax player... ever."
>> read article
Jessy J – Tequila Moon
Jazztimes
By Brian Soergel
May 2008
“pleasing melodies, sexy-sultry sound, jazz instincts come alive… flawless… This new talent has staying power.”
Tequila Moon – Jessy J
Joe Montague, Riveting Riffs
March 2008
"To say that singer, composer and saxophonist Jessy J is a gifted artist, almost seems like an insignificant statement, in light of her exquisite debut album "Tequila Moon." She woos you in Spanish as she coos the words... and she seduces you subtly with soft and tender chords from her tenor sax..."
>> read article
Tequila Moon
John Luciano, Contemporary Jazz
"Wow! What a discovery!... smoky, intense, throaty, complex, and sexy. On top of the blowing, this girl can sing as well! This just might be the best all around contemporary jazz release of the year so far."
>> read article
The Birmingham News
June 2, 2008
>> read article
Jessy J stresses sax appeal
Katherine Timpf, Toledo Free Press
>> read article
Jessy J – Tequila Moon
On Disc
“memorable vocal performances…”
Jazziz
April 2008
By Michael Koretzky
KSBR's Birthday Bash
Carol Archer
Radio & Records
6/13/08
"Copious jazz chops....like Charlie Parker"
>> read article
What's so Special about specialty Shows?
Carol Archer
Radio & Records
6/6/08
"Jessy met Jazz icon George Benson backstage...on tour promoting her debut
CD, "Tequila Moon"
>> read article
Timing is Everything for Celine Dion, Jessy J And Joe Nichols,
All Embracing A New Wave in Their Careers
“A Diva, Tequila
and a Fresh Start”
Sound Decisions
Radio & Records
By Carol Archer
February 8, 2008
Fresh voices, new influences enrich musical gene pool
Next Generation of Rising Stars
Radio & Records
Janurary 25, 2008
Carol Archer
Smooth Jazz
“Jessy J is on the fast track to success
with Peak Records release of her
recording debut, Tequila Moon,
produced by Paul Brown."
Big Shots
Sax And The Single Girl
Radio & Records
February 29, 2008
Alexandra Cahill
“rising saxophonist Jessy J”
Jessy J - How She's Taking
Latin SAX Appeal to the Masses
Music Connection Magazine
by Jonathan Widran
April 2008
"When I first told people I wanted to make solo albums, some said I was crazy, because 'women can't play jazz.' "
TEQUILA MOON – Jessy J
Sounds of Timeless Jazz
by Paula Edelstein
March 4, 2008
"Jessy´s cool tones, her hot saxophone licks and her lovely laid-back vocals and overall sensuality, TEQUILA MOON is one heck of a debut. I'm lovin' it!"
>> read review
Tequila Moon
SmoothJazz.com
by Scott O'Brian
"The Jessy J sound is what will end up getting you. She soulfully caresses a supremely beautiful tone and feeling out of her instrument, whether it´s her tenor, soprano, flute or voice"
>> read review
Tequila Moon - Jessy J
All Music Guide
Review by William Ruhlmann
"...shows off an individual voice and a gift for melodic improvisation..."
>> read review
Music Review: Jessy J- Tequila Moon
BC Music
by BG
March 4, 2008
"A highly recommended new release, and a performer to watch..."
>> read review
Jessy J
The Urban Music Scene
Terrill J. Hanna
"This CD has a hot, exotic, latin feel to it & also provides us an in depth look into the talents of Ms. J!"
>> read review
