RI’s Jesse Liam Gauthier Making Strides in Music Biz

Email to a friend Permalink

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

GoLocalProv Correspondent Jean-Herbert Harris

Twenty-year-old Ocean State native and Rhode Island College student Jesse Liam Gauthier (who goes by simply "Jesse Liam") of Smithfield has an ambition and devotion to music rarely seen. He’s been singing for most of his life; professionally for the past four years as part of the duo Jesse Jack'son, a collaboration with his father, Jack Gauthier–a Grammy nominated producer and manager to blues music legend Duke Robillard.

In the Spotlight

“I am the happiest when singing and listening to music,” Liam said. “I can't explain or pinpoint the reason, [but] as long as I can remember, music has always stopped me in my tracks.” The pursuit of a long-term music career has brought him to audition for American Idol, compete in Boston’s Community Auditions, and take first in Rhode Island College's singing contest, RIC Idol '10. Friars fans will recognize him from his appearances singing the National Anthem at Providence College hockey and basketball games, and Jesse Jack’son was nominated for “Best New Act” by Motif Magazine this year.

Forthcoming Release

Currently working on his second album (which the elder Gauthier is producing and providing vocal harmonies), his sophomore effort incorporates elements of country, pop, and rock (a little something for everyone). “I just love all types of music, so that is why I am not just classified in one genre,” said Gauthier. The album is set to release this winter or early spring. It’s not every day that you see a smooth, functioning father and son collaboration, his father Jack expressed. “Sharing music with my son is simply my greatest joy in life.” Father and son stand to prove, in contrast to Will Smith’s famous rap lyrics, parents do understand.

To hear Jesse Liam Gauthier and Jesse Jack’son, check out their MySpace page, or preview and download songs from Jesse Liam Gauthier's first album, "Father From A Man" on iTunes, Amazon and CDbaby.