Having been raised in Marin County, CA, Jesse Ray Smith claims that he started pursuing music as early as ten years old, hoping to obtain the same musicality his heroes also established for themselves. One of his recent live performances, held at the Belly Up Tavern inside Solana Beach, alongside Anna Ballew and Justin Froese, proved just how invigorating his shows are.

The anticipation was palpable. Smith and the band members approached the stage, and they set the scene with a mysterious, almost smoldering song, titled “Coyote in the Meadow”. The way the piece grew as it progressed, it was comparable to campfire flames growing steadily brighter, accompanied by the most engrossing long-forgotten tale. Not even one song into the lineup, and people were already swaying to the music. All the musicians radiated professionalism, and appeared unbelievably focused while performing.

Smith addressed the crowd, asking his Belly Up audience “what’s happening out there?” He encouraged them to make some noise, because tonight’s show was for locals, it was local music, and local people. Smith warmly expressed that the venue was the best place to be in the world, and a good place for music. He announced they would be playing songs from their most recent album “Back To Yesterday”. Smith said that the amount of songs created during the album’s recording process was enough for two albums.

“Born of Fire”, their next song, held true to its western influence. Be it in the way the guitars sounded, alongside the tempo of the drums. It felt like a piece that brought people together, accompanied by the occasional twinkling sounds of a keyboard. The whole experience was dizzyingly majestic, and the way that Smith would close his eyes while playing the guitar, further proved how he was born to be on stage.

Not only did Smith express how fun this was, but he was openly gracious for people coming down to watch them perform on a Tuesday night. They jumped straight into their next song, “Rubicon Madonna”. Unlike their two previous pieces, this one was more peppy. The sound produced by the amp and electric guitar was excellent, and the happiness seen between the musicians as they played was undeniable. One could see it in their smiles, the way they nodded in approval when the song reached a harmonious peak.

Smith elaborated that over the last few years, both he and his band have been in the studio, creating songs. They currently have another batch that are ready to go for next year. Among those that did not make the cut was “Santa Ana Wind”, the next piece of the show’s lineup. As the stage lit up against soft purple and orange lights, people were seen jumping along to the song. Never before has an audience at the Belly Up gotten up so fast to dance to the music. Ray continued to impress by grooving with his fellow musicians.

The band wasted no time, immediately merging into their song “Crossfire”. The combined enthusiasm perpetuated from both the audience, and the musicians, carried through into this song. People were raising their hands up high, singing along, all while basking in the golden lights overhead. Barnone, it was the most rewarding piece to experience live, so much that pity must be extended to those who didn’t see it. This merged into a joyously-received cover of Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove’s “Tennessee Whiskey”.

Another piece, “Lone Wolf”, brought forward a notable expressiveness within each of the band members. The way they maneuvered around the stage, kicked up their feet on the impact of a note, almost shifting on the balls of their feet when the melody grew, it was all mesmerizing. Even Smith tossed his hair about. Smith took a moment to express his overwhelming appreciation for his wife, parents, and band members.

One person of whom Smith wanted to thank was his videographer and photographer, Matt Powers, who was also in the audience watching. Smith claims that the creative process of working with him has been such a blessing. He credits him for being someone who can see the world through his eyes, in the way he wants people to perceive both him and his work. Powers is able to capture that and put it into visual form, which has been a huge part in the record’s creation over the last year. Smith says Powers is a great friend.

Smith’s stage presence, especially later in the performance, maintained that expressiveness and continued to deliver. Be it in how he toyed with the chord of the microphone, or outstretched his arms while singing prolonged notes. Any time in which he set down his guitar, and jumped about, he was bursting with vigor. “Everything To Give” one again, incorporated Smith’s immaculate harmonica solos, backed by stunning harmonies. Every single song balanced coherence and relatability, topped with a truly timeless essence. Briar, who was on the amp and playing the electric guitar, was also thanked by Smith on stage. Smith expressed how he couldn’t do this without Briar, and that Briar was his best friend in the whole world.

When it came time for the last song of the night, the band members took everyone by surprise. Those that weren’t dancing before, were absolutely dancing now. Many audience members were seen wrapping their arms around each other, and moving to the music. Smith himself was dancing as well. The intensity of his movements was so powerful his hat flew right off his head. He approached the edge of the stage, raced back around, and got completely lost in the sound. The band was in control of the room, impressively so.

The audience was begging for one more song. They encouragingly hit their hands against the stage, and cheered until the band returned. Before they started, Smith told the audience about how he grew up in the Bay area, and how it will be his home forever. He expressed how hard it was to leave his parents behind, but how he also had his first child when he returned home. The last song they played was about paying homage to your home, which also sparked the return of his harmonica. The drumming was simply unreal.

As their Belly Up performance concluded, Smith admitted he was aware they would be getting a good turn out, but it proved even better than he expected. To him, it was all great, the energy included. He revealed that both he and the band have mostly been touring within regional California, specifically the areas between San Diego and San Francisco, but more touring shows are coming, just on the horizon. To keep track of where Smith is performing next, as well as new music, visit http://www.jesseraysmith.com/.

By: Ava Sarnowski / BackStage360