BIO
Alchemizing roots, classic country, Americana and Celtic soundscapes, the trio spin tales of outlaw heroics, matriarchal power, resistance and resilience, and the unrelenting beauty of becoming who you are.
Based in Ottawa, Canada the haunting three-part harmonies of Jessica Pearson & The East Wind will bind you in a timeless folkloric spell.
Backed by the impeccable harmonies of Sam Stone and Malia Rogers alongside clawhammer banjo, mandolin, and tasteful percussion, Jessica's storytelling and songs centre kindness and vulnerability while imploring audiences toward a better future for all. Audiences will enjoy versatile Americana stomp-and-holler, upbeat Celtic sing-and-sway, and intimate, high-lonesome folk ballads, replete with singalong choruses, energetic audience banter, and the occasional unexpected party trick.
In 2021, Pearson received the Folk Music Ontario ‘Songs from the Heart’ award for her song Ready My Heart and was selected for the Global Music Match program. Playing shows, festivals and showcases across eastern Canada, Ireland, Iceland, The UK, the USA and Sweden, Jessica Pearson and the East Wind have opened for The Good Lovelies, The East Pointers, Terra Spencer, Blue Rodeo and more. Pearson was nominated for "Music Video of the Year" at the Capital Music Awards and nominated for "Performing Artist of the Year" at the Folk Music Ontario Awards in 2024.
JPEW's newest song cycle balances complex topics such as gender-based violence and mental health with moments of levity, empowerment, and reminders to embrace the beautiful imperfections that make us unique. With an upcoming two-part album produced by JUNO-winner Hill Kourkoutis and featuring an all-women team, JPEW is rising up to offer a powerful musical battle cry against the status quo.
"Raring to go, her live show delights and engages as much as the songs do on her incredible debut. This person charms without being cute, arrests without force, and brings more goosebumps per hour than a windchill. Jessica Pearson and the East Wind remind us that a mighty music show is not how many people you put on stage: it's who stands on that stage beside you."
- Amanda Putz, Music Programmer, CBC