OCTOBER 28, 2022

CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS VOL. 2 OUT TODAY!

 

TOP CONTEMPORARY LATIN JAZZ SAXOPHONIST JESSY J RELEASES SECOND COLLECTION OF HOLIDAY FAVORITES!

 

In 2016, top contemporary jazz and Latin saxophonist Jessy J released her first-ever holiday collection-- California Christmas.  In 2022, due to popular demand and her love for everything about the holidays, especially the classic songs of the season, Jessy has recorded her second album of holiday favorites - with a twist – California Christmas Volume 2.

 

For California Christmas Volume 2, Jessy, who serves again as executive producer for the Changi Records release enlisted some longtime collaborators (Paul Brown, Jeff Lorber and Euge Groove) and some exciting new additions.   Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy) adds his guitar chops to “Angels We Have Heard On High” and Jason Goldman (best known for his work with Michael Bublé) provides two of the arrangements with “Jolly Old St. Nicolas” and “Up on the Housetop.”   Long-time band members joining in the holiday cheer are: Jay Rowe on piano, Dave Anderson on bass, Trevor Somerville on drums, Andy Abel on guitar and Richie Gajate Garcia on percussion. Other members include Norman Jackson on keyboards, Frank Abraham on bass, Iajhi Hampden on drums, Kayta Matsuno and Ash Jenga on guitars. Guest vocalists include Mississippi soul singer Maurice Smith and the smooth vocals of Brandon Wattz.

 

With her sizzling mix of hot beats, Latin and samba rhythms and sensuous, captivating melodies, Mexican American saxophonist and singer Jessy J has had everyone swaying under the Tequila Moon, contemplating the joys of True Love and Hot Sauce, and embracing the possibilities of Second Chances and finding My One and Only One since she broke onto the contemporary jazz scene in 2008.  With her most recent recording Blue, she tapped into her longtime love for the vibrant soul and blues energies of the 60s and 70’s.

 

Saxophonist Jessy J® was born in Portland, Oregon, raised in Hemet, California and is of Mexican-American descent.  She began playing piano at the age four and at 15  won the Piano State Championship. Béla Bartók Festival. Earning a scholarship to University of Southern California, she obtained a degree in jazz studies and was named the “Most Outstanding Jazz Student” in her class. After graduating from USC, she worked in the studio with Michael Bublé and in 2010  was inducted into Disney’s Magic Music Days Hall of Fame. Jessy has toured with The Temptations, Jessica Simpson, Michael Bolton, and Seal. She has performed or recorded with Taylor Swift, Aerosmith, Chance the Rapper, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker, Andra Day, Maxwell, Joe Sample, Harvey Mason and Ray Parker Jr among others.  Known for her trademark Latin tinged powerful horn playing she has garnered 12 top singles and 6 chart topping albums.

 

 To quote Jessy from her first California Christmas album release: “For me, California Christmas (now Volume 2) is a special album for many reasons. It gives listeners the feeling of being in a warmer, sunnier climate during the holiday season. But most importantly, as an artist I get to share the holidays musically with all my fans.  Christmas is my favorite time of year and I am so grateful for all of my blessings.  Feliz Navidad!”

​

​