Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - Jesse Kazemek

Jesse Kazemek a Chicagoland native, now cruising the seas as a professional cruise ship entertainer.

I first met Jesse at The Fest For Beatles Fans (then called BeatleFest) - I remember he was a lefty guitarist - who played a cobalt blue acoustic guitar restrung upside down.  This guy could sing and play!  I had seen him enter several "Beatles Solo Contests" and he made it to the finals every time I watched - and usually won!

He has released two full length CDs - "Don't Look Down" and "Tunnel Vision".  Probably my favorite song out of the two CDs is "Younger Again", which is a great tune about being an adult and looking back on those great times from high school.  Any adult can relate to this song, and it has a special meaning to those in the snow belt, with some great lyrical imagery. The song contains a favorite lyric of mine, "And I feel like/spinning my old 45s".  Seriously, what music fan can't relate to that line?  

Of course, that's just one of Jesse's original songs, there is also the uplifting song "I Won't Look Down", which explores the pains of "paying dues" in the performance world - or just the world in general.  The story of a person chasing their dreams in spite of naysayers and the odds.  In all honesty, this song should be on a soundtrack of one of those motivational movies like "McFarland USA".

A third original song, that almost any vacationer or midwesterner would enjoy is "Old Fishing Boat".  The lyrics transport the listener to any lake in any state during any summer.  Musically, it's bluegrass rock.  Which leads to my next point - across the 2 CDs the musical style varies from easy listening ballads, to pure rock and roll, to 50s/60s rock style, to bluegrass to 80s power ballad.  But, even with the variety of styles, the songs are all Jesse Kazemek style - in some way, he puts his trademark into the music.  Listening to these CDs leaves the listener smiling and in a good mood and sometimes reflective, but always in a good mood.

By the way, on both of Jesse's CDs, Jesse plays all music instruments, vocals, and harmony vocals - the true definition of a "solo effort" - oh and he wrote all the lyrics and music as well!  Oh yeah, and he also plays piano/keyboard too!

Now, so far, all I've talked about are studio recordings, yet the title of this weekly feature is "Live Music Artist".....so please bear with me.

Jesse is also a performer - I had the opportunity to see him perform in Pump Boys and Dinettes - which completely fit Jesse's persona as the 50s/60s rocker.  He has also been in TV shows such as Fringe and Last Man Standing.  And he has been performing live in musicals on various cruise ships for the past, probably 10 years.  And as mentioned above, several years on stage at "BeatleFest" and in the hallways/under the stairs all night long during the Fests.  When Jesse would set up somewhere during the "overnights" - a large crowd would form before he could even finish a second song.  Great voice, great musical talent, and stage presence!

He is currently starring in a one-man show on the different Princess Cruise lines, performing Beatles music in a show that combines comedy and music.  Jesse's official "Beatle Guy" webpage has the perfect synopsis of his show - so I'll let you read that your self at http://www.thatbeatleguy.com/.

Jesse is the complete performer - stellar vocals, ability to harmonize on the spot with others, awesome guitar player, excellent stage presence, good sense of humor, and a walking jukebox nearly impossible to stump.  What REALLY stands out about Jesse is his love for music and the stage and the performing arts.  If ever there was someone who gets to do what they love for living - it's this guy.

I highly recommend checking out his music on iTunes - and if you ever get the chance to catch him live (concert or play) - also highly recommended.  Of course, we are all hoping to catch him live at "The Fest For Beatles Fans" again someday!