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Hype Exclusive: The Jesse Smith Project @ Farm To Family
The Jesse Smith “Project” is not a lacking group in any respect as the title “project” connotes. The idea created is that the music played is up for persuasion at any point in time, anything can happen in this extremely high energy and rowdy group. Rooted in Blues and a Jam Band feel the Jesse Smith Project is not limited to any genre as well. The group explores the areas of Jazz, Blues, Southern Rock, Wordlish jams, and they especially know how to serve up the Funk. As The Great George Clinton put it after sitting in with The Jesse Smith Project, “I believe they (the JSP) graduated from Dr. Funkenstein’s School of Funk”, and he could have been right. The Jesse Smith Project’s “school of funk” actually does exist and is known as Florida State University in Tallahassee Fl. This is where the group all met and formed “The Jesse Smith Project” continuing it on from there to what it has become today.
On June 2 , 2012 The Jesse Smith Project invited Hype-mag to join them at Farm to Family to follow their band’s part in the great music festival.
Having all day to kill before his night set, Jesse invited Hype-mag to spend the afternoon with them as well as joining in on a bus ride down to the nearby river off of the festival grounds. Below you can experience the whole day with hype-mag before Jesse’s set ranging from meeting close family & friends to seeing the setlist made during pre show rituals.
On our adventure out to the river Jesse and his good friend started an impromptu jam to provide entertainment for the fellow passengers and friends.
Just like the clear cool waters found at the Spirit of the Swanee Music Park in Live Oak Fl, Farm to Family’s river escape is a perfect place to get away from the music grounds and wash off the prior night of dancing and fun.
After jumping in the waters and feeling refreshed, Jesse gave Hype-mag an exclusive of him having an intimate jam within nature.
Back stage with The Jesse Smith Project
After Spread the Dub finished a great set of reggae music the crew began transitioning the stage and “The Jesse Smith Project” gathered together to stoke themselves up for the start of their show.
The Jesse Smith Project Playing Live @ Farm To Family
The Jesse Smith Project took the stage for the last spot on saturday night amping the late night crowd back up immediately. ”Are Y’all ready to get down? Are Y’all Ready to Get Funky!” Shouted Jesse as the band walked on stage and set up to play. As their first song began I felt as if all my surroundings were instantly transformed into a New Orleans club where a damn funky good time was happening all around me.
The Jesse Smith Project creates a stage atmosphere like no other, This is a band that clearly has great time doing what they love and are able to show it. Constantly smiling and amping each other up, The JSP sweeps you into their fun and makes you want to get up on your feet shouting and goofily dancing without a care.
During their the set that night I kept noticing the drummer, A.J Hall, set up behind the band in the back of the stage yet still creating a compelling presence. After looking back over the photos I found this shot of A.J. and thought that it summed this presence up extremely well.
Jesse’s mom and dad watch Jesse preform from camping chairs stationed in the front corner of the stage.
Busting out one of their only covers for the night, Jesse and the gang showed their voicing on Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady”.
Jesse ended the nights set by dedicating an amazingly high energy encore of “Whipping Post” to his father. Unlike many the JSP paid perfect tribute to the great Allman Brothers tune and Jesse got a turn at awing everyone with amazingly fast riffing during his solo.
Special Thanks to “The Jesse Smith Project” and all the people that make Farm to Family possible.
Look for their new album, “JSP” that released on april 7th 2012
Be sure to also look out for Hype-mag’s the full Farm To Family recap coming soon!
Photos & Video By: Michael J Parker
Audio & Mastering By: Michael J Parker
Words By: Michael J Parker
Contact: Mparker@hype-mag.com
About Michael@hype-mag
This band is so HOT ! We always enjoy the burst of energy they provide for for us .Thank you JSP for the sounds.