Jessy J

Saxophonist Jessy J’s connection to her Latin heritage runs deep. Her father is originally from Mexico and her mom hails from Texas. Born in Oregon and raised in southern California, Jessy grew up in a home full of big family get-togethers, Mexican feasts and lots of Latin, jazz and pop music. Her musical influences include Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Grover Washington, Jr., Sergio Mendes, Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan. She is grateful that her Hispanic fans have been inspired by her love of these musical roots, which has sometimes helped foster connections with their own family heritage. Jessy’s European fans may not connect with that side of her in a personal way, but they have long embraced the exuberant exotica she brings to her style of contemporary jazz.