Jesse Charles Hammock II was born in the bootheel of Missouri in 1981. His earliest memories were of his grandpa playing Hank Williams songs on the guitar and flat picking the banjo for the rest of the family at Christmas. These early country influences would have an impact on Jesse's music although he never picked up a guitar untill he was 19 years of age. At the age of 19, Jesse drove his pickup truck into a two story tattoo parlor in downtown Cape Giradeau, Missouri where he was supposed to be attending college. After fleeing the scene and staying on the lamb for several hours after causing nearly $50,000 in damages, he was later arrested and eventually charged with a long list of offenses. Knowing that he would not be leaving his home due to court orders and probation guidelines he asked his ma to bring the old guitar that was in her basement to his house next time she came to town. Always trying to look on the sunnier side of times, Jesse said, "Everything seems to happen for a reason, and I think running into that building was one of the greater events in my life. If someone had said I was down about it, they damn sure told it wrong."
After a year of steady employment(without ever cashing a check due to payments toward damages) and practicing that old guitar. He formed his first band Shady Deal with Jake Curtis, Austin Marshall, and Mason Watkins. The 4-piece moved to Oxford, Mississippi to embrace the flourishing music scene and the deep rooted blues that came from the Delta. The band toured the I-55 circuit and gained recognition from Columbia, MO to New Orleans, LA picking up their fifth member and keyboard player, James Pendley.
Jesse was then introduced to Jim Dickinson(North Mississippi All-Stars, Ry Cooder, Rolling Stones, John Hiatt, Bob Dylan, Big Star-to name a few) by Bob Camp, a mutual friend and troubador. Dickinson then produced Shady Deal's first record, "The Lift". With the release of their debut album, momentum began to build and the band was soon signed up by an agency that took them from coast to coast playing their music. Along the way they shared the stage with the Black Crowes, North Mississippi All-Stars, Shooter Jennings, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and countless others.
When the touring would break, they put out their critically acclaimed second album entitled "The Ringer" also produced by Dickinson at his Zebra Ranch studios. The band continued to tour behind their new record but the road began to take its toll. The group finally agreed to step away from the road for an extended period, while each member pursued other interests. Jesse went back home to Missouri to record his first solo record at Trumble Hill Studios in Carter County. Long time friend Jeff Chapman got the nod to produce the process. Jesse enlisted his cousin Andrew Bedell to play drums, and long time friend Pat McSpadden to play bass. The record took on a whole new life as it turned into a group effort with each player putting forth their own style. Jesse decided the project needed to be a band effort and Powder Mill was spawned from the depths of the Ozark woods. Powder Mill released their first album, "New Mountain" in 2008 and it has been received by critics, new listeners, as well as Shady Deal fans. Album sales and recognition in parts of Europe also came as a pleasant surprise.
With 4 studio records under his belt (Shady Deal and Powder Mill) success seems eminent for Jesse. His latest release with Powder Mill has been played all over the country and in Europe. Including plays from Sirius/XM Outlaw Country as of late. One DJ, Hillbilly Jim had this to say:
"Its new and good. Powder Mill has it together with southern rock. The tradition will stay alive as long as these guys are out there. This record will knock you out."Currently Jesse is working with Powder Mill on its 3rd studio release in as many years. Also Jesse Charles and his Cornswagglers plan to release a full length studio album in 2010 which will contain all original songs from JCH II. "This record and this project will be embracing the country music I have grown up listening to. The stories and the instrumentation. Just a few chords and the truth. Thats what country music is to me."
Vincent Clarkson, 2008
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