Gracie "Jay" Jessop

Gracie Jay is a vocalist, composer, arranger, and educator from Detroit, MI. She attended Berklee College of Music for her undergrad and soon after lived and worked in major cities such as Boston, San Francisco, and New Orleans. She has toured and performed nationally as a solo artist and with multiple bands. Gracie performed in festivals such as the French Quarter Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival, and the Tucson Jazz Festival.
Gracie recently received her masters in Jazz Studies with a focus in arranging and composition. During this time she had the opportunity to work with music greats such as Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, and Brian Horton. Gracie finished at the top of her class receiving induction into the academic honor society and Pi Kappa Lambda Music. She recently received the vocal jazz soloist Downbeat award.
Currently based in New Orleans, Gracie had had great opportunities to work alongside musicians such as drummer Jamison Ross and vocalist Cyrille Aimee. She is currently an adjunct professor at Loyola University teaching multiple music courses, private lessons, and directing ensembles. She is also one of the arrangers for the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, led by Adonis Rose. Along with the NOJO, her big band arrangements have been featured with the Phoenix based “New Guard Big Band”.
Gracie is dedicated to sharing music with audiences and musicians around the world. She continues to learn about herself and the world of music throughout her travels, studies, and musical experiences.