Jess Wayne

Jess Wayne writes music for people who’ve lived a little—and aren’t afraid to feel a lot. His genre-blending sound—what he calls Electric Bourbon Folk – Smooth with a Smoky Finish—is a fusion of modern folk, blues, easy jazz, and a dash of Americana, delivered with wisdom, heart, and soul.

After decades spent as a modern dancer in New York, an actor, a bankruptcy lawyer in Denver, a law professor, and a guitar sideman in Los Angeles, Jess returned to his truest calling: writing and performing his own songs. The result? Music that’s poetic, intimate, and emotionally resonant—perfect for those who understand that life is complex, messy, muddy, simple, and beautiful, often all at once.

Based in Taos, New Mexico, Jess has performed throughout the U.S. and Europe, including shows at the Flagstaff Folk Festival and Scotland’s Belladrum Festival. Critics have taken notice: Paste Magazine called his debut “stunning,” and No Depression said it was “one of the most impressive and notable records of 2016.” The Nashville Music Guide praised it as “a molten hot concoction of smooth jazz, contemporary folk, and cool blues that bring out the Americana 'storytelling'.”

Jess Wayne is a seasoned performer who knows how to read a room and deliver. Whether solo or with a full band, his sets are engaging, soulful, and deeply resonant—connecting especially well with audiences over 40 who appreciate authenticity, storytelling, and great musicianship. He’s a strong draw for listening rooms, festivals, intimate clubs, and any venue that values songs with meaning and performances with heart.