Allow me to introduce you to the powerful and soulful vocals of Jessie Wagner. The popular touring singer (Lenny Kravitz, Chic, Duran Duran, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul) and frontwoman for NYC rock/soul band Army of the Underdog has just released her debut solo album.
The diverse 11 track album, Shoe’s Droppin highlights her soulful, bluesy vocals that are rich in emotion and depth. You can’t help but let her take you away on a musical journey of songs that share her triumphs and pain. The album is a musical gem and it will feed your soul and lift your spirits.
Jessie explains about the album, “It’s exciting to stand alone and see if anyone connects with (it). I’ve had some of these songs with me for years, but I was always waiting for the right time to put them out. It’s scary, because this is my voice, my words, just me. It was cathartic to get out some of that anger and sadness, but there’s also the presence of faith that it will all get better.”
The album was released today on Wicked Cool Records and you can get it on your preferred music service by heading over here: https://orcd.co/shoesdroppin
You can check out a video for one of the album tracks, End of Time, Jessie describes as “This is just pure bubblegum fun! This song is about finding the perfect person and wanting to just love and be loved by that person for the rest of your life”
More about Jessie Wagner
After logging thousands of miles as an in-demand vocalist on tour with Lenny Kravitz, Chic, Duran Duran, Kid Rock and most recently Little Steven and The Disciples Of Soul, Jessie Wagner reveals a very personal collection of songs with Shoes Droppin’, her debut solo album for Wicked Cool Records.
Displaying an impressive range encompassing bluesy R&B, neo-soul, acoustic balladry and rock a la John Mayer’s more confessional side, Shoes maintains a unified sound rooted in ’60s and ’70s style production. The songs trace times of darkness and redemption for the Norfolk, Virginia native, now based in New York City, who also fronts the rock/soul band Army of the Underdog.
“’Shoes Droppin’’ was the song I wrote when I was at my lowest point,” Jessie says of the stomping, bluesy title track which opens the album. “My ex went into cardiac arrest and almost died. He spent the next couple of years fighting to regain a semblance of his former existence, and because of that, my life was arrested in a strange way. I thought I’d have to give up my music career. I fought my way back from that, and ‘Shoes Droppin’’ is a testament to losing and regaining your faith in what is possible.”
Recorded during downtime from the Little Steven world tour, the album was produced by drummer Dave Diamond (Bob Weir, Derek Trucks) with engineer Chris Laybourne. Seasoned soul guitarist Sherrod Barnes has the most co-writes with six; he’s previously written for or with Beyoncé, Angie Stone and Ashanti as well as recording with Whitney Houston, Roberta Flack and Queen Latifah. The album’s striking horn arrangements are by longtime Little Steven cohort Eddie Manion, who’s also worked with Bob Dylan, Diana Ross and Darlene Love.
Wagner never expected singing in Stevie Van Zandt’s band would lead to being signed to his label for her own work. “When Stevie said he thought I was a real artist, I could’ve cried.” Jessie recalls. “After fighting to be heard in this industry for so long, it means so much for someone of his stature to say your voice is unique and needs to be heard.” Stevie says, “Her music is eclectic and unique and impossible to categorize, which makes her the perfect Wicked Cool artist.”
“I started the year with a record deal, and then shortly after, the world fell apart in so many ways,” Jessie comments on the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m happy that I have this album to look forward to. It gives me some purpose and determination.
“This album really addresses every aspect of me as an artist. I don’t settle well in any box. I’ve hinted at that with my rock band Army of the Underdog. But this really shows my versatility – or my schizophrenia! I like that It’s honest and playful, with touches of hopelessness, but also the idea of redemption and faith.”
Make sure to visit the social media sites and stay up to date on the latest news.
Information & Links
- Website: https://www.jessiewagnerofficial.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessie.wagner.568
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessie_wagner
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_wagner/
Enjoyed you ever since a behind the music gig with Kid Rock many years ago. Hope success catches up with you.