During my stay in Nashville, I had the pleasure of
attending the performance of Jesse Zane at the Western Connection, located in
Printer's Alley. It didn't take much to know I was witnessing a man with a great deal of
talent and as well as appeal.
Among his many talents, Jesse's' most valuable asset to
his musical career is his songwriting. As a songwriter, Jesse has an innate talent for
putting words into those clever double entendres that are the trademark of great country
music. Where's there's a verse, there's a twist of a phrase to grab your attention.
Jesse's album, "The Way It Is" is chock full
of 12 songs all self penned (5 with co-writers) that are pure traditional
country....including a gunfighter ballad! I haven't heard one of those since the days of
Marty Robbins famous "Gunfighter Ballads" album. The ever popular song 'Gimme
Back My Life' where he declares, "She's married me alive" has become Jesse's'
trademark and it seems to be a part of every conversation he has encountered since it has
become a demanding request among fans. This is a honky tonk winner that I'd place on
a level with "Achy Breaky Heart" in appeal. It's just plain FUN!Another bar
stool favorite is "Devil On My Shoulder" where "the little red guy
won". Heart wrenching ballads such as, "Mama In His Eyes" are liable
to bring tears to yours. 2-steppin', honky tonkin' and cryin' in your beer, this album has
it all!
Jesse is credited not only as the songwriter and artist
but as producer as well. This accomplishment places him into an elite group of talent as
he is among the few performers who write, produce and perform their own music.
Music Group
(BMI)
