Jess Lamb even got to play the keys with Harry Connick Jr. during her American Idol audition. (FOX Photo)
While the first two episodes of Season 14 featured lots of talented young singers, the 28-year-old told us she’s been playing music — mostly Motown and soul — around the Cincinnati area for 10 years.
“For the 15 year olds who can sing, I think it’s a blessing for them to come on a show and get picked right up,” she told Idol in a pre-audition interview. “For me, I’m 28. This is my last chance. It’s huge for me. It’s everything.”
Perhaps that’s why Jess told Ryan Seacest she was quite nervous before her audition, the first time she’s felt that in something like six years.
She need not have worried. She settled behind the keys and delivered a wonderfully original version of “Ain’t No Sunshine” that had all three judges raving.
Harry Connick Jr. seemed most impressed, calling Jess “the definition of creativity. You have a great look about you. You have presence. A very, very interesting talent.”
In a profile of Jess done by WPCO.com, we learn that she grew up singing bluegrass and gospel music in church with her sisters.
She eventually broke away from that type of music and began singing R&B and rock. She’s performed as the Jess Lamb band, with brother Kenny and Kasey Williams playing guitar and bass.
She released an intriguing self-titled six-track EP back in 2010 that’s available on iTunes. In fact, you can listen to the entire EP on her website “listen” page. Make sure to check out “Memories” and “Goodbye.” I’ve embedded live versions of those songs below.
Jess says everyone in her family is musically talented and, in a good sign for her time on Idol, she says she enjoys performing cover songs and creating new renditions of old classics.
“For me, I guess it’s turned into finding my own way,” she says during that interview. “They (my parents) are very, very involved in church. They’d like to see me doing more worship songs. But I still like there to be positivity reflected in all my songs.”
Here are some Jess links, followed by those samples of her music.
Website
Faceboook
YouTube
Twitter: @JessLambBand
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