It had to have been Friday. The time was 11:00pm, and shockingly, the crowd hadn’t dwindled at all; as a matter of fact, it seemed to have grown, becoming more condensed than it had been the entire night. Representing a pillar of patience, this crowd had endured three bands prior -- and at the Tractor Tavern nonetheless. Not that it’s a truly straining feat, but you would have gotten your money’s worth if you had left earlier, as the bands who went on prior were uniquely excellent (we’re talking Xylophone-solo excellent). So why were they still here? And why only now has this formerly scattered people resembling a collection of islands transformed into a charged Pangaea?

Jesse Morrow went on around 11:15. One man, one acoustic guitar, and a mic. The first song, “New Blues,” was no surprise, but only when you expected to get more of the same “one man, one acoustic guitar etc.” tracks, the full band came out in cinematic fashion, obviously planned, but refreshingly unique. Jesse Morrow and Co. continued to play set ranging widely in tone, some soft in melody, others pumping prolonged, chant-like choruses, the likes of which include the well-received “I’ve Got You.” It was an extremely well-rounded and complete performance towards which I give a tip-of-the-hat.

It was actually Friday when I arrived home, and although 4:30am loomed like your ex at a mutual friend’s birthday party, I found fulfillment in the talent I was able to see on stage late that Thursday evening, and it was well worth the wait.  

Jesse Morrow is a homegrown singer/songwriter that has only now begun to scratch the surface, and should have no trouble finding out what awaits for him underneath.   

 Be sure to pick up a copy of Jesse Morrow’s album Come On Speak Up, and keep an eye out for his next live performance in Seattle. 

 Morrow’s third release is in the works and scheduled to hit the shelves in the second quarter of 2013. 

(Photography by Sarah Boe)