Jess Wayne

Jess Wayne writes music for people who’ve lived a little—and aren’t afraid to feel a lot. He calls it Electric Bourbon Folk – Smooth with a Smoky Finish—a rich blend of Americana, folk, blues, country, jazz, and adult contemporary that goes down easy but lingers deep.

Based in Taos, New Mexico, Jess didn’t follow the traditional path—he shattered it. He’s been a modern dancer in New York, an actor, a corporate reorganization lawyer in Denver, a law professor in Houston, and a guitar player in LA clubs that don’t exist anymore. Now he’s writing songs that cut through the noise: raw, reflective, and unmistakably human. His music isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about chasing meaning.

Paste Magazine called his debut “stunning,” and No Depression praised it as “one of the most impressive and notable records of 2016.” The Nashville Music Guide described his sound as “a molten hot concoction of smooth jazz, contemporary folk, and cool blues that bring out the Americana 'storytelling'.” According to Stereo Stickman, his songs are “beautifully reflective and thoughtful,” while CMuse noted the album’s “genre-crossing mix of folk, jazz-influenced instrumentals and a bluesy storytelling style.” Blogcritics added that the album “makes for a relaxing and familiar listen that fans of adult contemporary music will no doubt love losing themselves in.”

Jess Wayne doesn’t perform for flash—he performs for truth, connection, and the joy of making music that matters.