Netherlands based singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer Jessy Yasmeen has teamed up with amazing jazz group 3SOME for a spellbinding live version of her single 'That Day'. Recorded live at the famous Wisseloord Studios, Jessy and 3SOME form a beautiful brand of soul-infused jazz pop, and this is the catalyst for many more releases in the pipeline for the pair, who embark on an exciting tour in the Summer.
We sat down with Jessy to learn more about the making of 'That Day - Live at Wisseloord Studios', what her exciting plans are and much, much more, exclusively for FLEX!
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Hey Jessy, welcome to FLEX! How are you?
I'm doing great! Thanks for asking. And thank you for having me!
Sum up your music for us in three words for our readers!
Soulful, Genuine, and Infused.
Tell us all about your new single 'That Day', recorded at Wisseloord Studios, that must have been exciting!
Well, this release is a combination of various emotions. I am incredibly passionate about this song, as it is the most honest and vulnerable track I have ever released. It delves into an experience that I have never been able to openly discuss before. I suppressed it for so long that I didn't even acknowledge the transgressive behaviour I faced 'That Day' as a teenager.
However, in recent years, I have confronted my own wounds because in current relationships, your past can cast a shadow that not only follows you but also overshadows your potential partner. It can be a lonely journey if you are unable to truly let someone in.I also believe it is crucial to continue sharing this message that sexual misconduct is NEVER the fault of the victim. I hope that by having these conversations, no one has to bear the weight of such experiences alone.
Sharing this song was important to me, but it was also challenging because I wanted to convey the message accurately. Another aspect that I found particularly exciting about "That Day" is that it was recorded live at Wisseloord Studios. This live recording format aligns with my vision for future releases and my upcoming album "Chasing the Wind." It's something I have always wanted to do, and I am thrilled to see it come to fruition.
Stream 'That Day - Live At Wisseloord Studios' now:
How did you and 3SOME meet?
We actually met about six months ago. I hosted my jam session called 'Jessy's Jam,' at Jazzcafe DIzzy and Davide Rasetti (keyplayer) and Gianluca Calo (bassplayer), two of the members of 3SOME, joined me on stage. The connection between us was instantaneous, and playing together felt like a perfect match. They told me about their fusion trio and introduced me to their drummer, Daan. With our common love for Latin music and his tasteful play, I couldn't resist working with him. Each of them btw is incredibly talented and unique, and it felt as a pleasure and blessing to be surrounded by them from the start.
We agreed that we complemented each other's skills, saw the importance of honest communication and shared a common vision for the future.
You and 3SOME work together so harmoniously, was this apparent from your first session together?
Absolutely. The harmonious connection was evident right from our first session together. As we continue to play and get to know each other, our musical collaboration has only grown stronger and more expansive. It's truly amazing to have the freedom to explore and be creative while still maintaining a solid sound.
What was the recording process like at Wisseloord?
The day of recording feels like a daze to me. It's like I'm there but not there. I feel the pressure to do 'perfect', which is impossible so I choose to not follow that thought , because otherwise I'll totally block myself from performing and really feeling as I am supposed to. This makes me extremely focused and more distant from certain things. And it was actually kinda crazy as we recorded the album in just one day. The engineer told me this was not common, and we both laughed about it. But I told him that we were definitely gonna make it. I believed it should work, and I think we did great.
Who are your main influences right now?
My music is influenced by a diverse range of artists, which is why it blends elements of Neo-Soul and Fusion (Jazz, Latin, Gospel). I enjoy listening to various artists like Patti Labelle and Compay Segundo. Well what they do have in common is that their music is legendary, unique, and never grows old. It takes my sense of time away, and their lyrics and compositions resonate with my soul.
I aim to create a blend of soulfulness, inspired by gospel, and the nostalgic Latin rhythms that take me back to my childhood. Additionally, not only artists but also people in my life inspire me, like my grandfather who had a love for classical music. As I'm even integrating beautiful classical interludes played by Davide Rasetti on my upcoming album.
In creation, I finally found a place where I don't have to make choices, unlike in other aspects of life. It arised organically.
And finally, tell us about your upcoming live dates later this year too! You're heading to Cuba?
Si, Claro! I've been invited to perform at the Un Puente Hacia la Havana festival in Cuba. It will be my first time performing in front of approximately 7,000 people. Additionally, I'll be playing in the main hall of Fabrica de Arte, the largest venue in Havana. I'll be performing with 3SOME and Cuban musicians. So it will even be more latin infused! It feels like a dream come true to perform in the capital of Latin music and be seen by such a large audience. I was there last year for the first time and the people there are so welcoming. It really is an honor.
We also have other exciting performances lined up, including appearances on radio and television there. We will be visiting Cuba twice this year, in April and July. As for the rest of the year, I'm embracing the unknown and trusting that I will go wherever God wants me to be.
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