Bio

Biography of Jesse Aycock www.myspace.com/jesseaycock Jesse Aycock wrote his first song at age twelve and wrote a song that ended up on his dad’s debut CD when he was fourteen. He has certainly come a into his own style since then, crafting his timeless brand of music. Jesse’s songs capture an innocence and honesty that is hard to find, He writes everything from story songs and love songs to songs about every day life and the human condition. In Jesse’s music you can definitely hear the influence of early rock and folk, psychedelic country, red dirt/americana and soul all mixed together to create his unique sound. “When Jesse sings his superbly written songs, he conveys the loneliness and longing of Gram Parsons’ best work with Emmylou Harris, the spirituality of the Innocence Mission, and the soulfulness of Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes. We love to play his music, weather it’s a homespun tape or a recording of a live show. He is the real thing,” -Folk Salad Radio, NPR Jesse has been billed with the Grammy nominated Blind Boys Of Alabama, Eliza Gilkyson, Steve Kimock, and Dwight Yoakam. Away from his pursuits as a solo singer songwriter, Jesse has nestled in quit comfortably as a member of The Dustin Pittsley Band. His unique style of playing guitar and lap steel has helped develop this group into the award winning band they are today. Jesse’s lap steel playing can sometimes sound like an organ or cello, and his electric guitar playing takes the song on a new ride every night. www.thedustinpittsleyband.com Jesse has just completed his first solo release, “Life’s Ladder” with producer and friend Jared Tyler. All songs except one co- write were written by Jesse Aycock. Contributing to the record are some of Tulsa’s finest musicians; Reed Mathis of The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey on bass, Brian Lee – studio musician for Leon Russel on keys, Josh Raymer on drums, Jared Tyler on various instruments, Don Geesling on Hammond B3, and guest Rachel Ries and Anais Mitchell on harmony vocals, Dylan Aycock on turntables, Dustin Pittsley guitar, Al Ray on bass, and Jeff Porter on Percussion. “Life’s Ladder” was mixed and mastered in NYC by Chuck Zwicky who has worked with Prince, Soul Asylum, and Jeff Beck just to name a few. Jesse’s touring band consists of (Josh Raymer – Drums) / (Daniel Sutliff – Bass) / (Jesse Aycock – VOX & Guitar) & / (Paul Benjamin – Guitar) . Jesse has played show from New York to California and everything in between. Tour Dates 11/17/2006 07:00 PM - The Blue Door [] visit www.bluedoorokc.com for directions Oklahoma City, Oklahoma US Cost:N/A Description:An intimate night of acoustic music with Jesse Aycock, Jared Tyler, and Dustin Pittsley. 12/06/2006 09:30 PM - Bostons [] 18th and Boston Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106 US Cost:15.00 Description:Opening for Ian Moor - Jesse Aycock and Dustin Pittsley will be performing a 45 minute set of original material on acoustic guitars. 12/15/2006 09:00 PM - Blue Moon [] visit www.bluemoonpaseo.com for directions Oklahoma City, Oklahoma US Cost:N/A 12/16/2006 09:30 PM - Arnie's [] 2nd and Elgin Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106 US Cost:3.00 $ 01/19/2007 10:00 PM - Arnie's [] 2nd and Elgin downtown (Blue Dome Arts District) Tulsa, Oklahoma US Cost:3.00 Description:Rock n Roll 01/26/2007 08:00 PM - C-Note at the (Cherokee Casino) [] ------ Catoosa, Oklahoma US Cost:your soul Description:Dustin Pittsley and Jesse Aycock acoustic - 02/02/2007 07:00 PM - All Souls [] 27 th and Peoria Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106 US Cost:Free Description:Soulful Sundown - 02/09/2007 10:00 PM - Blue Note ] Oklahoma City Oklahoma City, US Cost:N/A 02/16/2007 09:00 PM - The Artichoke [] Kansas Witchitaw, ???????? US Cost:3.00 Description:Acoustic show with Sage Flower and Dustin Pittsley - 02/20/2007 09:00 PM - Tom Skinners Science Project - TBA ] 18th and Boston Tulsa, Oklahoma US Cost:free Description:Guest band for the Science Project - The Science Project is in the process of finding a new venue all acts are on hold - 02/23/2007 10:00 PM - Arnie's [] 2nd and Elgin downtown Blue Dome District Tulsa, Oklahoma US Cost:3.00 02/24/2007 08:00 PM - Blue Moon ] OKC, Oklahoma US Cost:N/A Description:Acoustic show with Forrest Sun, CA / & Jared Tyler, OK 03/16/2007 09:00 PM - Roxies [] Tahlequah Tahlequah, Oklahoma US Cost:TBA 03/23/2007 09:00 PM - Par T Lounge [] Sheridan between 21st and 31st on W side of the street Tulsa, Oklahoma US Cost:free Description:Rock n Roll !!!!!!!! 03/31/2007 08:00 PM - Living Arts ] 3rd and kenosha Tulsa, North Dakota US Cost:N/A Description:The Hymnals - A side project with friends - We will be performing are interpretations of old hymnals and gospel songs. 04/07/2007 07:30 PM - Georges Magestic ] Fayetville, Arkansas US Cost:TBA Description:Opening for Steve Kimock and Friends - 04/17/2007 07:00 PM - Rockwood Music Hall [] New York, New York US Cost:7.00 04/20/2007 09:00 PM - Mr Dennehey's ] 63 Carmine st (@7th ave south) New York, New York US Cost:free Description:I will be playing a string of shows in the New York area from the 15th of May to the 22nd. 04/28/2007 10:00 PM - McNellies ] 1st and Elgin Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106 US Cost:free 05/09/2007 08:00 PM - Tangier [] 2138 Hillhurst AVE Los Feliz California 90027 Los Feliz, California 90027 US Cost:$8.00 05/10/2007 11:00 PM - Blue Cafe [] Long Beach, Arkansas US Cost:7.00 05/11/2007 08:00 PM - Abbot's Habit [] Venice Vinice, California US Cost:N/A 06/09/2007 08:00 PM - Blue Moon [] Paseo Arts District OKC, Oklahoma US Cost:5.00 Description:Jesse Aycock / Jared Tyler / Dustin Pittsley 07/07/2007 09:00 PM - ARNIE'S ] 2ND AND ELGIN TULSA, Oklahoma 74106 US Cost:N/A 07/28/2007 09:00 PM - D FEST [] ARNIES FESTIVAL STAGE 2ND AND ELGIN TULSA, Oklahoma 74106 US Cost:20.00 Description:D FEST 07 08/17/2007 08:00 PM - Blank Slate - The Higher Education Jam - Featuring many friends [] Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106 US Cost:N/A Description:Jesse Aycock and Dustin Pittsley's Higher Education Jam - Will feature many different friends throughout the night. Artist will be added as they come - Also see WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DUSTINANDJESSESHIGHEREDUCATION 1.Vandevander 08/31/2007 10:00 PM - Arnie’s [] 2nd Elgin downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106 US Cost:3.00 10/26/2007 09:00 PM - McNellies - Every Thusday 9:00PM [] 1ST and Elgin Downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 US Cost:Free -- Description:It's called Dustin & Jesse's "Higher Education" featuring Dustin Pittsley, Jesse Aycock, Tex Wagner, and legendary piano player for the JJ Cale band, Rocky Frisco. The show is every Thursday at McNellies 1st and Elgin 9:00. Every week will feature a new guest. Some of the past guest have been Danelle from"Congress of a crow" Steve Liddel. Jared Tyler, Lance and B............and the list goes on. So come on out and get educated with us! 12/04/2007 08:00 PM - SEE ALL OTHER SHOW W/ THE DUSTIN PITTSLEY BAND - WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DUSTINPITTSLEY [] X TULSA, Oklahoma US Cost:X Radio – Jesse’s Music has been played on XM Radio’s Radar Report . Charted #1 on Americana UK AmericanaUK's charts Top Artists – Week of Jun 18 to Jun 25, 2006 1 Jesse Aycock 22 2 Cam Penner & The Gravel Road 13 3 DeSoto Rust 12 4 The White Stripes 6 4 The Byrds 6 Jesse’s music has also been played on various pod cast within the USA AND UK . PRESS - “The musicianship is superb, and the songwriting –beautiful.” Folk Salad, NPR. Rainy Day Records: ”Jesse Aycock is a singer, songwriter and musician from Tulsa, who is now spreading his own brand of Folk Roots Rock to the rest of the country. Jesse's music is reminiscent of the legendary Tulsa Sound of the 1960's and 70's, which was introduced to the world by artists like Leon Russell, Elvin Bishop, J.J. Cale, Eric Clapton and David Gates. Life's Ladder is Jesse's debut album release, and is reveals a bright young songwriter and musician with the soul of Gram Parsons.” “Rainy Day Records” rating: 5 / 5 ”Jesse Aycock – Life’s Ladder - Today was a landmark day in Oklahoma music! A truly great artistic work was released and I was fortunate enough to have been on the list to receive a copy of it! Jesse Aycock released his latest work – Life’s Ladder! And I believe it will truly climb to the top of the charts as a great masterpiece of musical talent in all areas from the lyrics to the arrangement, to the composition, to the overall work itself. Instead of offering you a track by track review of what I personally think of each, I would welcome you to listen to the cd online on our Listen to CD’s page, and form an opinion of it for yourself! I do encourage you to purchase a copy of it for yourself, as you will want to add this amazing CD to your Oklahoma Artist section. Jesse is now a mainstay in our wonderful ever developing music scene! His skills are unlimited, his talents are never ending, his love of life and devotion to his craft are abundant, and his sharing and caring ways are truly evident through his music. This is a great CD worthy of 5+ stars out of 5!! We proudly endorse this great work of art, and the artist that created it!” Stan Moffet, Payne County Line - Jesse Aycock with his band Paul Benjaman (left), Josh Raymer and Daniel Sutliff.STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World Concert Preview: Free falling By MATT GLEASON World Scene Writer 11/3/2006 View in Print (PDF) Format Singer-songwriter Jesse Aycock's didn't let his day job kill his music When Jesse Aycock was 19 or 20, he was a college dropout working a lousy day job in a mall cafe. Back then, the now 24-year-old local singer-songwriter didn't know what he wanted to do in life -- he just knew music had to be a part of it. Actually, a few months before taking that lousy cafe job, Aycock had set out on a two-month journey to discover things about himself, and to hear music well beyond the borders of Oklahoma. He came back understanding that you can find good music just about anywhere, especially here in Tulsa, and what it's like "getting out of the normal flow of things, and putting yourself on the line." Aycock also came back knowing he needed a job fast, which meant sliding back into the normal, mundane flow of life. "I felt like a caged animal," Aycock said of the short-term cafe job that ended up dragging on for about a year and a half. At least when he wasn't waiting on customers, Aycock could let his mind wander in vivid daydreams, like the one that inspired his tender acoustic ballad "Osage Girl," off his debut offering "Life's Ladder." Aycock recalled how that daydream transported his mind to a tall-grass prairie where a loner hunter, Standing Bear -- a man hard like the grindstone on which his mother used to pound corn -- falls for a maiden discovered bathing in a pool of deep water. Startled by the stranger, the lass runs away clutching her garments, but the hunter eases her fears once he catches up to her to say, "Please don't be afraid of me. I'm just a tired man." The song ends with Standing Bear asking the girl, who sees beyond the leathery exterior, if she'd like for him to catch dinner, and then lie with him under a shade tree so the morning light will not wake them. It's but one of the richly descriptive stories Aycock weaves on a compelling disc influenced by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, the Black Crowes, Innocence Mission, Bob Dylan and Crosby Stills & Nash. The most notable presence on the disc is local singer-songwriter Jared Tyler, who co-produced the disc with Aycock. Beyond his producing role, Tyler contributed bouzouki (a mandolin-style instrument), background vocals, mandolin, electric guitar, ebow and his signature instrument, the dobro. Aycock and Tyler long ago bonded via their shared love of music, especially Harris' 1995 release "Wrecking Ball." So when it came time to record his debut, Aycock looked no further than the veteran artist/producer. "He's just got such a good ear for recording," Aycock said. Once the sessions began, Aycock was, at first, unsure how the disc would turn out, he said. "Whenever you first put a skeleton together, you can't really imagine anything more," he said, "You just hear a guitar or a click or something and you're like, 'Man, I hope this works.' "Slowly, but surely, all the elements kept falling into place and every musician who came kept building it." The disc features collaborations with a cast of local luminaries, such as keyboardist Brian Lee, and innovative bassist Reed Mathis of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, who both perform on several tracks. Plus, blues-rock guitarist Dustin Pittsley (Aycock plays in Pittsley's band) performs on "Sunset," and Aycock's brother, Dylan, handles turntables on "Burned Out." National touring folk singers Anais Mitchell and Rachel Reis also appear on the disc. Although Aycock himself is a multi-instrumentalist -- he plays acoustic and electric guitar, lap and pedal steel, washboard and harmonica and dobro on the disc -- he learned to share the musical duties. "When you get to play with such incredible musicians in the studio, you kind of have to let go of some things," he said. "That's why you have your friends play, because you want their vibe." Other contributors include TJ McFarland and Scott Hutchinson, who co-wrote "Take Me in Your Arms," and Chuck Zwicky, who mixed and mastered the disc on the cheap despite commanding huge sums from likes of Soul Asylum. Aycock leads off the disc with his funky country-rock ditty "Burned Out," which is funkified thanks to Lee channeling a bit of Stevie Wonders' soul, Mathis' bass prowess and brother Dylan on turntables. Check out the disc's hidden track for a quirky extended jam session, complete with Mathis' unconventional bass antics and Dylan's quirky snippets of noise, which picks up where "Burned Out" leaves off. The title cut, "Life's Ladder," is a piano and string-laden tune that includes Aycock's slide guitar work, which is unmistakably George Harrison-esque. "Sunset" is a rather dark song that's, perhaps, the most heavily influenced by Crosby, Stills & Nash. In it, Aycock, the son of a visual artist mother and local singer-songwriter Scott Aycock, asks unknowable questions like if he'd be a stronger man if he'd "grown up all alone with nothing but a blanket and a stone." "Old Familiar Friend" addresses how carrying a gun doesn't "mean you want freedom for yourself." And it finds him yearning for the day when Jesus returns to set the world right. "It's not a protest song or anything like that," Aycock pointed out. "It's more of a statement (that) guns aren't going to solve problems, you know? You may go buy a gun and think that it's going to protect you and give you some safety, but it's really building a cage around you, in a sense. It keeps you from the freedoms of living life." The song ends with what could be heard as the spirits of field hands eerily singing a mournful "Freedom" over and over. Like "Osage Girl," and Aycock's other storytelling songs, "Jerry Lee," is the ballad of a lost soul inspired by Gram Parsons' father. The gent in the song wastes his musical talents in a life spent popping pills and living off the wealth of his wife's family. He eventually learns his wife was running around on him, so he dressed in his wedding day suit, found his favorite old oak tree, slipped a noose around his neck and, as Aycock sings, "fell into a lifeless dance." "Jerry Lee," like "Osage Girl" and others on "Life's Ladder," is yet another example of how Aycock let his imagination run free, even, during that lousy day job, when his body was trapped in the real world. JESSE AYCOCK CD RELEASE SHOW When: 6:30 p.m. Friday Where: Garden Deva Sculpture Co., 317 S. Trenton Ave. Admission: free Local musicians are proud of Tulsa's Dfest by: JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer 7/28/2007 Bill Padgett knows a thing or two about keeping things local. When it comes to local events like Dfest, he's always there. The band he plays with, the Starkweather Boys, took the stage Friday night to a hooting, hollering, dancing crowd. But it's the scene that's important to Padgett. In other words, it's all about the music, and he said he was looking forward to submersing himself in this weekend's Dfest offerings. The Tulsa drummer has been playing with local artists -- from musicians such as Brandon McGovern, Brian Parton and Dwight Twilly -- for decades. His day job at Wild Oats also allows him to mingle with coworkers such as Jhohn Casio of indie synth pop buzz band Elliott the Letter Ostrich (it plays tonight at 1 a.m.) and shoppers like John Cooper of the Red Dirt Rangers and David White, who's played bass with just about every established musician in town. "Skintight (David) has to get his weekly shot of wheatgrass," he joked. "... But really, I see everyone here, this job keeps me in the loop." Then there are the other local legends, such as musicians like "Tulsa Sound" pioneer Tommy Tripplehorn or classic folk rocker Jesse Aycock. he Jesse Aycock Band: a new chapter to the Tulsa Sound By Crystal Kline Sunday, 29 July 2007 The second night of D-Fest saw a whole new round of bands. The 9:00 show at Arnie’s hosted local artist Jesse Aycock. The band did a relatively quick sound check and dove in to an hour-long lineup of songs written by lead vocalist Aycock. In the spirit of Diversafest, the crowd was a diverse one, with Jessie crossing demographics of age and genre. As the band began, the crowd was a bit sparse; by the end of the allotted hour, the parking lot given to the audience was full and difficult to get through. Up toward the front, young girls were dancing and screaming. “He’s great! I love him!” enthused Annie, a thirty-something mom of two girls, one ten, and one seventeen. Annie works for a local consulting group, and was excited about D-Fest. She had come the evening before to see the Flaming Lips with her daughters, and was back tonight to see as many bands as possible. “Some people think I’m a little old for this,” she said sheepishly, “but I just love the music.” Look around Annie. If you’re too old, we’re all too old. Jesse Aycock Band @ D-Fest 07Maybe one reason Jesse’s music appeals to all ages is that it is familiar to everyone—a little blues, mixed with a little folk, a little bluegrass, a little psychedelic, a little rockabilly, a little emo, and you have something that everyone can relate to. Jesse sings lead vocals, and plays guitar, and other instruments as needed. His experienced voice is a bit on the high side, lending itself well to ballads. The instrumental portions of the songs are where the band really showcases its musical skills. Playing songs from his new solo album, Life’s Ladder, The Jesse Aycock Band adds a new chapter to the Tulsa Sound. Songs such as “Sleeping With My Soul,” and “Take Me in Your Arms,” show Jesse for the true poet he is. Not a surprise, seeing the family he comes from. Jesse is the son of musician Scott Aycock, known for his “Folk Salad” on Sunday night public radio, and local artist Margaret Aycock. He is brother to Dylan Aycock of the Doldrums. Jesse Aycock has been getting quite a bit of buzz about town for a while now and D-Fest was a great opportunity for exposure for the rest of us. The crowd was increasingly receptive the longer he played, and when the hour was over, many stayed to purchase cds. The Jesse Aycock Band was one of the nicest surprises of D-Fest for those of us not already familiar with his music. Life’s Ladder can be purchased online at cd baby or locally at Shades of Brown Coffee, Starship Records, Blue Moon Records,and Borders Books & Music. Check out his page at http://www.myspace.com/jesseaycock. Listen to a couple of his tunes and check out his schedule for upcoming shows. 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