Jess Roden was born on December 28, 1947, in Kidderminster, England. Jess Roden's first band was The Raiders, followed by Shakedown Sound from Worcestershire. In 1966, Jess Roden joined the soul-rock-jazz band Alan Bown Set. Here he participated in the recordings for "The Alan Bown – Second Album ." The Alan Bown Set included Robert Palmer and John Anthony Helliwell (Supertramp), among others.
Jess Roden In 1970, Jess Roden founded his first band, Bronco. The other members were Robbie Blunt (guitar, vocals), John Pasternak (bass), Kevyn Gammond (guitar), and Pete Robinson. “Country Home” and “Ace Of Sunlight” were recorded. Ian Hunter, Terry Allen, and Paul Bennet, along with several other musicians, helped out on “Ace Of Sunlight.” After two albums, Bronco was over.
In 1973, Keef Hartley tried to get back into the business without Miller Anderson. Jess Roden was hired as the singer for "Lancashire Hustler .“ Around the same time, another band, The Doors, was looking to continue without their late frontman Jim Morrison. John Densmore and Robbie Krieger brought Jess Roden to Jamaica for their Butts Band. The album ”The Butts Band“ was created. The following album, ”Hear & Now," was recorded without Jess Roden.
In 1974, Jess Roden worked on a solo project in New Orleans. Allen Toussaint was the producer and The Meters were his backing band on the self-titled “Jess Roden.” The interpretation of “On Broadway” is superb. Art Neville (Neville Brothers) and Rebop Kwaku Bahh (Traffic, Free) also dropped by the studio. The last track, “What The Hell,” was recorded in London with his friends Simon Kirke, John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick, Mick Weaver, and Pat Donaldson. The album received consistently good reviews. As early as 1972, Jess Roden contributed to Paul Kossoff's album “Back Street Crawler” as a singer and composer.
Jess Roden was looking for a tour band. The Iguana from Southampton was found. This new Jess Roden Band went on tour with Roxy Music and Herbie Hancock. The albums “Keep Your Hat On” and “Play It Dirty, Play It Class” were recorded in the studio. The Jess Roden Band included: Bruce Roberts (guitar), John Cartwright (bass), Pete Hunt (drums), Chris Gower (horns), Ronnie Taylor (saxophone), and Steve Webb (guitar).
Jess Roden Fed up with constant touring, Jess Roden disbanded the band in 1976. The concert recording “Blowin'” was released later, but by then the Jess Roden Band no longer existed. Jess Roden became a guest singer with Stomo Yamashtas Go Too, in The Who's “Tommy” musical, with Jim Capaldi, Sandy Denny, and others.
Tracks
1. The Ballad Of Big Sally (Bruce Roberts, John Cartwright) - 5:56
2. In A Circle (John Cartwright, Steve Webb) - 5:51
3. Can't Get Next To You (Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield) - 9:20
4. Me And Crystal Eye (Jess Roden) - 7:11
5. Blowin' (Jess Roden, John Cartwright) - 5:14
6. Jump Mama (Jess Roden) - 4:45
7. Blowin' Reprise (Jess Roden, John Cartwright) - 2:45
Musicians
*Jess Roden - Vocals, Guitar
*John Cartwright - bass, harp
*Pete Hunt - Drums
*Steve Webb - Guitar, Vocals
*Bruce Roberts - Guitar, Vocals
*Billy Livsey - Keyboards, Vocals
*Chris Gower - Trombone
*Ron Taylor - Saxophone
