Tessanne is the fresh soulful voice of a new generation of Jamaican musical talent. Her sultry fusion of Dancehall and Reggae with a edgy rock riffs mixed with the honest, heart felt and conscious lyrics she pens herself create a musical style that is uniquely her own. Her exceptional vocal talent and her exotic looks - mix of Chinese, White, Cherokee Indian and African heritage give her unmistakable stage appeal. At the age of 22, Tessanne has already opened on stage for such musical greats as Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack, Atlantic Star and Boys 2 Men. She also toured the world as a backup singer with the Reggae Legend Jimmy Cliff for Three years. It was during that time that her love for the road, music and the stage was sealed. "I always knew that I was gonna end up singing or have something to do with music, but touring gave me a chance to really test the waters, to know my limits. more than anything, it just fired me up even more to get out there and want to do my own tour". Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Tessanne was introduced to music at a very early age by her parents. Her mother was the trumpeter/ singer in her band called the "Carnations" and her father was the drummer. Tessanne started her stage career when she was 6 years old with Cathy Levy's "Little People and Teen Players club" one of Jamaica's top performing arts schools. Most of her vocal coaching came from her mother and also from noted vocal coach Lecie Wright. Tessanne learned firsthand about cultural diversity when she moved to England at age 12. She devoted a lot of time to a song writing to expess her feelings about her new life in what was to her, a completely different world. Upon her return to Jamaica, Tessanne joined the Jamaican Rock Band, "Mile High" and performed for crowds at numerous local venues including Jazzfest, Rockfest, an RETV Unplugged. "It was during this time that I came out of my shell vocally and performance wise, I learned how to really and truly sing in a different way.my way. It was an amazing experience because I also realized my lifelong dream.to sing my own songs. I have something to say and it was a great release for me to share that part of myself with others". Tessanne decided to continue on the path of singing her own songs; she left Mile high to pursue a solo career and work on the tracks for her upcoming debut CD. With Producer, and Friend, Rudy Valentino and Paul Kastick. Songwriting for her is a very real, organic process.just some note paper and her acoustic guitar. Apurist at heart she believes there is life and magic in live music that can't be duplicated using computer-generated tracks. "It is very important to me that my songs can sound amazing with a big band or orchestra, but just as powerful and touching with just me and my guitar." So far she is making waves in the industry, determined to make a difference with her music, and to leave her mark on everyone who has the opportunity to hear her music or witness her Live shows, to name a few such as The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2006, the Deck cafe, The Port Royal Music festival, ABC Slim Traxx and her very own show "Arabian Night". Tessanne credits God with being her greatest influence in her life and for blessing her with the strength and determination to pursue her dream career in music. Creatively, she draws on the strengths of a diverse group of musicians including Skunk Anasie, Pat Benatar, Diana King, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, Bob Marley, Barbara Streisand and many more. With such powerful influences to inspire her, Tessanne is creating her own music with her own bold signature style. Her debut single, Hideaway has been playing in heavy rotation on Jamaican radio as well as select stations in New York and both the single and its music video have had a ground breaking impact on the Jamaican music industry. "There's no limit I'm willing to put on myself where doing what I love is concerned. I was born to do what I am doing now, and just the fact that I'm able to be having a career in music and doing what I love everyday, is for me in a sense, success and yes. a dream come true."
