Jessie J Paves the Way

Leading off Tuesday night's entertainment at the Viper Room is Jason Flom's latest signing, London-based songstress Jessie J. hushhushATTACK guru Joe Arnold tells me that her soundcheck was awesome, so I'm definitely looking forward to checking out her set. Xfm Head of Music Mike Walsh and Jason Flom both offered intros, with Jason joking that one of the main goals of the showcase was to get Mike into the music...and, having succeeded, the showcase was cancelled...jokingly, of course. Opening number "White Room," which Jessie described simply as a song about a personal situation, showed off her tremendous pipes admirably. She possesses a marvelous melismatic sense, utilizing it tastefully rather than gratuitously, unlike so many vocalists out there today (unnamed to protect the guilty). One hates to invoke the ghost of Janis Joplin, but Jessie J has that blues-based shouting style down cold, while still managing to hit notes that the Southern Comfort-loving Janis could only dream about nailing herself. Another awesome beginning for a night of MUSEXPO music!