Iconic guitarist Jesse Samsel reflects on lengthy musical journey, cuts new CD
A diamond in the rough is one way to describe Jesse Samsel; a true gentleman would be another. Take a moment and reflect on the travels of one of the Northwest’s most iconic guitar players.
Samsel began playing guitar at the young age of 11, inspired at the time by Credence Clearwater Revival and Grand Funk Railroad. High school years found him rocking the Portland club circuit with his band, White Lightning. Old-timers still recall shows at clubs no longer standing and backyard parties where fun was had by all. White Lightning had some radio success with airplay on local radio KISN and headlined major shows. A somewhat new band named Heart called to ask them to open a show, just before Heart broke on radio stations with Crazy on You.
In his mid-20s, Samsel joined forces with Meredith Brooks, released an album in 1987 and went on to tour in support of that album. As all remember, the late ‘80s was a changing time in the hearts of the American pop rock culture, as the grunge scene took over and bands from Seattle dominated the airwaves.
1990 found Samsel working with Ken (Willie) Scandlin, performing with a band called Steamy Windows. This led to a meeting with Bobby King and Terry Evans. As well as working the local music scene, the band became the touring support act for King and Williams, playing all over the USA and abroad. This continued until a phone call from Bruce Springsteen’s people pulled King up into the majors to tour with the E Street Band. (You just don’t say no to The Boss!)
Continuing his work with Terry Evans, Samsel began cutting tracks at the famous Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles for the Audio Quest label. The list of recording on this label goes on and on. The track Putting it Down had guest appearances by the famous Ry Cooder, Jim Keltner and Jorge Calderon. Samsel went on to be mentored and influenced by Cooder for years to come. A quote from Samsel in regard to his work with Cooder: “This cat embraced me and shared with me all his tricks from equipment selection to his choice of open tunings.”
As a constant influence on the Northwest blues scene, as well as continuing to tour as a support player for Terry Williams, Samsel was awarded the coveted Muddy Award in 1997; a proud distinction for any musician in the Portland music scene.
Samsel is breaking out in the present to promote his original music and reach out to his fans, playing local shows and recording new songs. Dubbed “The Gentleman of the Blues” by the Cascade Blues Association, a new CD is forthcoming entitled A Stitch in Time. It contains unreleased tracks from Samsel’s music vault as far back as 1989. There is also a guest appearance by Terry Evans. The new CD will have a celebration release party at the famous Candlelight Room, located on S.W 5th and Lincoln on February 1, 8:30-10 p.m. After the CD release, some guest players will jam until closing time.
Anyone who wishes to contact Jesse Samsel, email Jesse-man@love.com, or visit the website at www.jessesamsel.com