Jessy Bell Smith considers herself to be the possessor of strange gifts. Her approach to music has been one of divining, rather than assembly or construction. She can capture a personal moment and present it as an invitation to a poignant and irreverent intimacy. Her early musical instruction was largely received from her father’s box of cassettes. A treasure trove of endless discovery where, John Prine, Bessie Smith, Tom Waits, Sweet Honey In The Rock. Albums like Te Trio Album (Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton) Famous Blue Rain Coat (Leonard Cohen, Jennifer Warrens), The Whole Story (Kate Bush) were in constant rotation. Her performances have been described as a tour of 20th century North American music, bringing elements of 1900’s Parlour music, Carter Family and even Opera. Reminding at times of the gifts of Mary Margaret O’Hara, she sings with an indisputable talent and an extra quality, more difficult to define, that somehow communes with a deep emotional space within the listener. Her voice may be recognized also as a feature in prominent and well-loved Canadian band the Skydiggers, with whom she has worked with over the majority of her career.

Her cherished 2014 release “Thee Town” is a collection of songs written over a ten-year period, some of which appear as a result of the, what she describes as “tenacity”. The album captures the learnings and longings of small town life, directing gently to clues about the meaning of our presence here, and also the way we leave.

“It just gives me shivers, the whole album is wonderful" - Cerys Matthews (Catatonia), BBC 6 Music

 Jessy Bell Smith remains a best kept secret, save those few in the Canadian music world who have had the pleasure of catching a rare live set or joining her on stage. Should the opportunity arise the experience is not one to miss.