Music Spotlight: Jesse Harris

Carrie Fossum

Jesse Harris

(folk/pop/indie – singer/songwriter)

Where: Maintenance Shop

When: Wednesday, Sept. 12, 8 p.m.

Cost: $7 students, $9 public (tickets increase $1 day of show)

Hear him on www.myspace.com/jesseharrismusic.

Jesse Harris began his tour to promote his new album “Feel” Wednesday in Kentucky. Harris and his percussionist are traveling together road trip-style in Jesse’s car from concert to concert. His eighth stop on his tour brings Jesse Harris to perform at the Maintenance Shop right here in Ames.

Members: Jesse Harris and percussionist Robert DiPietro

Influences and style: Bob Dylan

Claim to fame: Collaborator and songwriter on Norah Jones’ 2002 album “Come Away with Me.” Harris won a Grammy for writing the song “Don’t Know Why.”

His story: “I started playing the piano when I was 10 for four years. I quit because I didn’t practice. Two years later I took up the harmonica because I thought I wouldn’t have to practice. I picked up a guitar after listening to Bob Dylan songs. I started writing songs and performing in clubs and got a break with the band Once Blue in 1995 and toured for one year. We made another album and the band broke up. I worked on solo records and eventually met Norah Jones and the rest is history.”

What is under Jesse Harris’s bed? “Nothing at all – no clutter. Maybe a rug.”

If his walls could talk what would they say? “Clear your mind.”

– Carrie Fossum, Daily Staff Writer