SONNY
A Force in R&B, Blues & Rock...........
HESS
Latest CD........
Retrospective is the voice of my journey through songwriting. These originals are a representation of
past and current songs, including some that were written for someone else to sing, but I now
perform myself. Some are remixed and remastered favorites, others are brand new for this project.
My songs tell the story of my life - either what I’m feeling or what I’m seeing. I was inspired to write
The Other Woman by hearing my partner joke that I was going off to my other woman when I was on the
way out the door to play a gig. The double entendre speaks to my intense love of performing, even though
the life of a working musician means missing a lot of personal events, working holidays, nights and
weekends. I can’t stop. I’ll always be loyal and sneaking out to The Other Woman - my guitar.
I am lucky to have a supportive and encouraging partner. Saved was inspired by a difficult weekend.
I’m sure my musician friends can relate to what I wrote, headlining a show in Eugene one night, three hours of sleep when I got back to Portland, then back in the car to perform in Seattle. But once I was onstage, everything was okay, fine, perfect. Need to Roam was written about a fascinating scene I witnessed from the stage one night. A couple who were both married but made a love connection right before my eyes. I watched the story unfold, and later the song unfolded in my mind to reflect what I saw. Inspiration comes from many places!
I almost named this CD Pioneer because it is the most personal to me. I’ve watched the Portland music scene change over decades and hope I have made some difference. Those who came before us should be respected and revered. Sacrifices were made for us to have an easier path. I’m grateful for those who came before me, and I hope to see the path grow wider and stronger for women musicians in the future.
Thanks to my wife Jamie Rae Pemberton Hess, the love of my life.
My bandmates, Kelly Pierce and Jim Hively have stuck with me all these years, are like brothers to me, and I appreciate their talent every time we play. Thanks to Lisa Mann, Kathryn Grimm, Kevin Hahn, Nancie Hammond and PM Shore for their creativity. Special thanks to all my true friends who are always there and those family connections that never gave up on me. I sincerely thank the venues that keep hiring me year after year, and the wonderful people who fill those places up in support of me. I am humbled and grateful for the love and support I receive. You make this wonderful music thing continue to happen!
Sonny Hess
More video's at https://www.youtube.com/@sonnyhess
