Jess Grant writes songs that provoke and amuse, fusing lyrical intensity with diverse pop styles and working-class ethics. Some of Jess' favorite performing songwriters currently include Graham Parker, Steve Earle, Ani Difranco, Richard Thompson, Bruce Cockburn, Joan Jett, Utah Phillips, Delbert McClinton, Sheryl Crow, Dave Alvin, and James McMurtry.
Jess tackles topics that would stump a lesser songwriter. "For my Foreskin" is a cutting but humorous critique of circumcision; "Oh Victoria" is a lovelorn look at lingerie catalogs and the self-pleasure they can provide; "Elvis and the Magi" recasts the Nativity tale with Elvis Presley in the holy infant's role; and "Living in the Harem" is told in the voice of a eunuch living among a rich man's wives. Not songs for the faint of heart -- but luckily Jess writes plenty of love songs too.
Alas, fronting a rock band is a full-time job: Sugarcane Mutiny has left Jess little time to spare for his acoustic music. Nonetheless he remains at the ready, able to show up at a moment's notice and play your house concert, benefit show, picketline or Irish pub. Hell, he's even played in a graveyard.
CAREER SPOTLIGHTS:
* Currently fronting original indie rock band Sugarcane Mutiny
* "For My Foreskin" -- Best Original Song (TLCTugger Contest, 2006)
* Featured performer at the 9th Int'l Symposium on Circumcision (2006)
* Leader of Jett City (the worlds only tribute to Joan Jett)
* "My Birthright" -- finalist, Tumbleweed Festival song contest (2005)
* Featured at the IWW's 2005 Centenary Celebration (Vancouver BC)
* Appeared at Seattle's NW Folklife Festival (2005/2007)
* "Auto Shop" -- heard on NPR's Car Talk (2004)
* "Hands" -- title track on Normajean Jacobs CD (indie release, 2003)
* Studied with Steve Seskin at the Sisters Songwriting Academy (2002)
* Opened for artists Utah Phillips, John Trudell, Jello Biafra
DISCOGRAPHY
The Washington Waltz (full-length acoustic CD, 2003)
Your Town (7-song rock CD with Sugarcane Mutiny, 2008)
SOME REVIEWS:
"Jess Grant's newest CD release, The Washington Waltz, is a shining success. With such a wealth of fresh, original ideas and ample time to digest them, hearing this recording is a relaxing, entertaining experience. Grant presents one outrageous or innovative idea after another, projecting a self-effacing honesty that many others would hesitate to expose..."
Victory Music Review 2003
"Grant seems to remember something that many a coffeehouse twit with a guitar has forgotten: Good songwriting counts for a lot...Grant's lyricism is good, and his songs are often funny, containing the intelligence and wit so often missing from most modern music...a worthy effort..."
Hey Jess! I wish you happiness and love. Hope all is well in your world. Thanks for the party invite. I am due May 1st so I doubt I will make it but I will be there in spirit! Wow--four "I's" in one sentence...In peace, CJ.
Jess! How are the musical endeavors going? I'm curious as to root of your band's name. Perchance see you in mid April? our baby Lia's turning the big three-oh! spring festivities!
Thank you so much for helping celebrate my birthday last night. So, do you think wielding a flogger will help me keep control of my classroom? I haven't tried that yet...
I can't say that I have heard it lol but thats ok because I will listen to it now! hehe I figured you And Suzi are friends and my sisters friends are my friends so I shall add you because you seem to be pretty rad! I would love to come to a show when I get a chance, I'm not in Seattle often but I'm hoping that will change! Talk to you later!
