Jessie Rae’s third blues and pop album is titled, Out of the Blue. Jessie Rae’s music can best be defined as, “roots pop with a blues edge and a funky swagger”. Joan Meyer, Jessie Rae’s lead singer, songwriter and guitarist is a Portland, Oregon musician who recently took some time out of her busy gig and recording schedule to answer some questions for KC Café Radio. She told us about her music, how she came up with the name Jessie Rae, her varied inspirations and favorite songs.
KC Cafe: Tell me a little bit about your background in music. When did you start playing?
Joan Meyer: I started playing guitar in the 70s. During the 80s in Eugene, Oregon I played keyboard in an all-women rock band called TranSister. Later I played guitar and bass in a folk duo called Shards of Lace. In Portland, I played bass in a folk-rock band called Lonesome Taxi then a rock band called Oversol. I finally started my own band called Jessie Rae to play out my original music. Jessie is my grandmother’s first name and Rae is my sister’s middle name.
KCC: When did you start writing?
JM: I became inspired to write music after listening to my older sister’s albums – Bob Dylan, early Elton John, Sly and the Family Stone, Joan Armatrading, Joni Mitchell, Rikki Lee Jones…..I started writing songs on the guitar during the 80s while I was playing keyboard in TranSister. I’ve written almost every song on a beat up no-name electric guitar that I rarely even plug in. I love my guitar.
KCC: What/when was the first song you ever wrote?
JM: The first song I ever wrote was called “Medallion” about my sister. It’s a very personal song.
KCC: How would you describe your style?
JM: Cool funky folk. Roots pop with a blues edge. Funky folk pop….
KCC: Who are your favorite writers and how do they influence your style?
JM: I have been influenced by the jazz-tinged rhythm and blues of Steve Winwood and Me’Shell Ndegécello. I like the syncopated rhythms and positive grooves of The Neville Brothers and Booker T and the MGs. I like the rootsiness of songs written by Bernie Taupin, JJ Cale, and Lucinda Williams. I just love Joan Armatrading. I am also into Amy Winehouse, Adele, Duffy, Dave Matthews….
KCC: What is your writing process?
JM: I have a writing process? If I think of it as a “process” it runs away. I let my curiosity and discovery take its course and try to grab the song as it comes through and then give it some form. I just have to be there for it when it comes through.
KCC: How often do you write?
JM It comes and goes, but I keep putting ideas in a journal that I can refer to when it strikes. Often a song is sitting there waiting to be pieced together.
KCC: What comes first? Music? Lyrics? Or do they happen simultaneously for you?
JM: The music usually comes first and the lyrics later, although there is usually a theme that defines the song that comes simultaneously.
KCC: What is your favorite song on your new album?
JM: Each song has been my favorite cut at one time or another, but I like Blue Armor because it is both grounding and spiritual at the same time.
KCC: Where was your newest album recorded?
JM: It was recorded in my basement using a Korg D1600 Digital Recording Studio here in Portland, Oregon. Kipp Crawford played the drums and did an amazing job mixing the tunes. It was mastered at Nettleingham Audio.
KCC: How long did it take to record?
JM: It took about 6 months to record.
KCC: What’s your favorite song of all time by someone else and why?
JM: Joan Armatrading – City Girl. I like it for its simple, yet subtle sophistication. Les McCann’s “Compared to What” also comes to mind. It really grooves. My current favorite is Lucinda Williams’ song “Righteously.”
KCC: How did you hear about KC Cafe Radio?
JM: Twitter! I got an email that you were following me, so I checked you out. Now I am following you too!