As a versatile multi-instrumentalist, Tulsa’s Jesse Aycock is an in-demand sideman who has lent his talents to several national acts over the years, traveling the world as a member of Hard Working Americans, a supergroup that featured Todd Snider, Neal Casal, and members of Widespread Panic. He’s also recorded and toured with Elizabeth Cook and The Secret Sisters. With this self-titled release, Jesse stands center stage with thirteen beautifully executed songs, highlighting his significant gifts as a singer-songwriter.

Fans of Jesse’s previous solo efforts will recognize this soulful artist’s signature blend of masterful musicianship, poetic lyricism, and thoughtful songwriting, and they won’t be disappointed with the album’s exploration of Jesse’s myriad influences. The lovely, mournful “Sadder Than a Sunset” reflects his acoustic, country-folk roots, while “Past Life” rocks a deep topic with an upbeat pop sensibility and “Under The Gun” swirls with a psychedelic refrain.

“I’ve been working on many of these songs over the last few years, but I could never land on something until they finally took shape. A handful came together very recently. There were a few songs I was still finishing up as we were tracking them, which was a new experience for me. Luckily, I have faith in the creative process and great friends to work with in the studio. I find that when you let things happen organically, that’s when magic happens,” Jesse says of the songwriting process. “Overall, I think this album is a little more personal and vulnerable than my previous albums. I think for the listener, it’s still abstract enough to find your own meaning.”

Jesse plays guitar, steel guitar, keys, and even Mellotron on his latest album. He’s joined by good friends and fellow Tulsa musicians drummer Paddy Ryan, bassist Aaron Boehler, and keyboardist John Fullbright. Jason Crosby contributed keys and strings to several tracks, and Lauren Barth, Allison Moorer, and Jason Weinheimer, the record’s co-producer and engineer, contributed background vocals. The album was recorded at Weinheimer’s Fellowship Hall Sound in Little Rock, Arkansas, with additional tracks recorded at Paradise Studio at Grand Lake (Leon Russell’s former recording compound)