Interview: Jess and the Bandits

Jess and the Bandits play a combustible mix of country & rock n roll, with well crafted lyrics and plenty of grit. They brought the heat to the Louisiana on Tuesday, 27 October and Jess herself took a few minutes to answer a few questions about her musical tastes. If you want a taste of what to expect have a look at the fine video for Nitty Gritty (banging tune and a righteous message) and be sure to pick up a copy of the LP at the show.

What was the first LP you ever bought and where did you buy it?
“It was a Beatles LP and I got it from a cool retro record shop in Houston.”

What was the most recent record you bought and where did you buy it?
“It was actually an older album, Bonnie Raitt’s Road Tested, so many good songs on that album. I bought it on iTunes.”

What record do you stick on the deck to soothe your soul?
“For me it is actually anything by Hillsong Church out of Australia. The instant I turn it on I feel a sense of calm come over me”.

Have you bought a record on the basis of a great single and then been disappointed by the rest of the album?
“Yes, it sadly happens more often than not. I’m not going to mention the artists because that’s probably not best but there are some pretty big acts that put out incredible songs. It’s just such a letdown when you turn on the album and every other song sounds exactly the same. That’s why it’s so important to not release anything until you know you have got it right!”

What album do you turn up to maximum to get into that party mood?
“Lately it’s been anything on the new Lady Antebellum album, but old school hip hop always does it for me!”

If we had the ability to land you at the recording of one classic LP so you could witness the whole recording process, what would you choose and why?
“It would have to be during any of Patsy Cline’s recordings. To hear the musicians and watch how things were recorded before Autotune and Protool would be something to see. Also knowing that some of the songs she recorded changed the shape of country music and for women in country music.”

Ever bought a record solely because you liked the sleeve? If so, what was it and did it delight you or disappoint you?
“Actually, no I haven’t. I do like good artwork on an album but I’ll only buy music if I love it. I have hung up vinyl on my wall at home because of the artwork and not the music though.”

Oh no, your house is burning down and you can only rescue one LP! What is it?
“My copy of Glen Campbell’s Greatest Hits.”  

What’s your favourite album sleeve? Tell us all about it (and whether or not the music gives you as much pleasure as the sleeve).
“It might be cliché but it would have to be the Beatles Abby Road album. It is so iconic and simple. In a single picture, they created history. The music is definitely just as good.”

Morbidity alert: what record would you like played at your funeral?
“Back to Hillsong… it soothes the soul and that’s what is needed during a funeral.” 

Read more interviews here.