Leaving Atlanta

2012 release from the acclaimed singer/songwriter. To cope with the reality of living in Atlanta, a place that was going straight to hell, Jesse went down to the basement of his house and wrote 20 songs that would become Leaving Atlanta. What could have easily become a bummer record ended up being nothing short of inspiring. The album is bookended by 'Eat Me Alive,' an anthem of perseverance that was for Jesse a demon-exercising tool, and another mover titled 'We Got to Get Out of Here,' which is less about getting out of an actual location and more about getting out of a state of mind. Stylistically, Jesse never strays from his bread and butter: short, hook-driven and delicately patterned rock 'n' roll songs. One could compare him to Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello or Paul Collins 'til the cows come home, but at this point Gentleman Jesse sounds like Gentleman Jesse. Leaving Atlanta is Jesse hitting his personal and musical stride.