Jess Yoakum
Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jess Yoakum has intrigued audiences in all the places her gypsy life has taken her. From Massachusetts, New Mexico and Oregon to Ecuador, El Salvador and Mexico, Jess has entertained in a style described as "Patty Griffin joined forces with the Sundays." Coffehouse Tour, Heather Corcoran
Following with admiration in the footsteps of Patty Griffin, Yoakum currently performs in Boston as a solo, acoustic guitarist and singer, but can also be found playing with the accompaniment of other local musicians. Her debut, self-titled CD, nominated for Outstanding Debut Album of the Year (2005), features the talented Charlie Worsham on dobro, mandolin, banjo and guitar. In late 2005, she teamed up with local bluegrass band, Jaded Mandolin with whom she continues to perform. The album is distributed and available for purchase through CD Baby.
With a textured, mature vocal style and a playful yet commanding stage presence, Yoakum's audiences are treated to captivatingly bold lyrics that dare to reach beyond the comfort zone. "Yoakum's vocals transcend genre while pulling the listener in with uncommon tones and flavors. Lyrically refreshing, she hooks the listener with thoughts and ideas not often found in today's mainstream music..." IMG Music Promotions
Now settled in Jamaica Plain, MA, Jess Yoakum performs regularly at local venues including Club Passim, WERS, Toad, and the Midway Cafe, where she hosts Second Tuesday Acoustic Nights. She tours primarily in New England, and along the West Coast, and receives radio play on internet, community and college stations across the country. Jess has begun working on her sophmore album, and anticipates it to be released mid-year 2007.
A proud member of Move On.Org, Mercy Corps, and the Human Rights Campaign, Yoakum enjoys mixing her music and humanitarian ideals. She has participated in New England area benefits including V-Day Jamaica Plain's benefit for The Network/La Red, Cancer Reasearch Benefit for Indie Music For Life, and Hurricane Katrina and Tsunami benefits in 2005.
She welcomes opportunities to participate in other Humanitarian benefits.
