Jerome Tess

About Jerome Tess

Jerome Tess (Jerome Tessier) was born in La Pocatiere, Quebec. His father was a musician and music teacher, his mother, singer soloist. They moved from town to town to train and teach choral music in the parishes of Quebec.

Jerome took classes in classical piano from the age of 5. Around 12, he does not listen to the same kind of music that other teens do: influenced by his older brother Jean, he then discovered progressive rock, jazz and jazz-rock. At 17 he participated as pianist in numerous jam sessions, thus developing his ear and his creativity. He then has the chance to meet a man passionate about music, George Albert Cournoyer, professor and composer who contributed to his formation and allows him to reach new heights in the exploration of his creativity.

Jerome's musical journey is above all influenced by his passion for musical instruments. Also, having the chance to live at the begining of a new technology called "midi" (musical instrument digital interface) this gave his access to the full range of these instruments, thanks to keyboards and computers. Having installed a "MIDI" studio, he knew how to use it to explore musical arrangements through several projects in different styles. Wanting to understand music and not just to play it was and still is, another important driver of motivation. Jerome’s musical training is largely self-taught.

Among musicians who most inspired and influenced him include, among others, Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays of the Pat Metheny Group, Chick Corea, Russell Ferrante of the Yellow Jackets, Herbie Hancock, The Brecker Brothers, Uzeb, Marcus Miller, Michel Petrucciani, David Sanborn, Bob James, Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Yes and finally Supertramp.

After more than 20 years of accompanying choirs, participating in jazz-rock show, working in composition and musical arrangements, Jerome felt within himself, for some time now, the need to compose and to express in a more personal project. Alpha is finally here, his first CD, featuring tracks of different styles but all running in the same root: the freedom of jazz.

"A contemporary and varied music, coming from diverse musical influences, an inspired and accessible music." says Jerome.

For the composer Jerome Tess, comes, with Alpha, the beginning of a wider communication of his creations, sharing through the universal language of music.

Michelle Blanchard