“Jess Wayne Stuns with Debut... one of the most impressive and notable records of 2016”
“molten hot concoction of smooth jazz, contemporary folk, and cool blues that bring out the Americana “storytelling” ”
“blissful combination of modern Folk, Blues, easy Jazz and a dash of Americana... stunning debut.”
“As many moments of blissful beauty as there are of thought provoking, real-life reflection.”
“like riding down a winding, clear-watered river with a steady, slow current on a warm, sunny day—preferably with a cold fruit smoothie in one hand and a good book in the other.”
“the essence of life’s complexity, for people who know that life is sometimes messy and muddy, yet simple and beautiful all at the same time… wisdom and honesty…”
“Telling stories with a naked honesty over jazzy, rock-infused, Americana sound beds, Jess Wayne’s music speaks to those who have lived, who have tasted the complex simplicities of human existence, and who like their music with a refreshingly classic vibe...Jess Wayne‘s music is well-seasoned, fine like aged wine, and as tasty as grandma’s jam.”
— Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman for Middle Tennessee Music (August 17, 2016)
“smooth, cohesive ...deep and chart worth collection of old school retro Americana gold.”
“thoroughly, entirely, contemporary adult rock at its purest...transports a listener to a candle-lit wood clapboard tasting room off of some lazy old road in the middle of nowhere”
“The tracks take the listener on a journey that is “complex, messy, muddy, simple and beautiful – all at the same time” .... As far as indie music goes, Ride the River is about as independent as you can get.”
“Although Jess Wayne is located in a city where popular culture and youth rules the landscape, he hasn’t attempted to fit in. Instead, Jess offers up a hefty dose of rock music that channels the artistic muscle of greats like Van Morrison and Warren Zevon. But before you misunderstand me, this doesn’t mean Wayne’s music is dated. On the contrary, Ride The River delivers powerful live instrumentation that transcends so-called, “dating”.”