Album a family affair for RI musician

(FOX Providence) - A Rhode Island College student is releasing his first album, and it's a family affair.

19-year-old Jesse Liam from Smithfield, and his dad Jack joined The Rhode Show for a performance off Jesse's CD 'Father from a Man.'

Jesse tried out for a previous season of American Idol and made his way through the initial cuts, and he has since has been performing throughout New England.

About Jesse Liam:

Every young singer needs support, someone that they can trust as they literally find their voice. For 19-year-old Jesse Liam of Smithfield, R.I., finding that voice has been a family affair.

Jesse’s 10-track debut Father From A Man, produced by dad Jack Gauthier, represents the culmination of a three-year journey spent finding that voice, blending it with his father’s rich harmonies and applying them to a wonderful new CD.

With blues legend Duke Robillard guesting on two tracks and some of New England’s best musicians and songwriters providing the backdrop, this is no synth-pop bubble-gum throwaway.

Jesse’s big, clear voice soars over a diverse set of songs that are both unique and memorable. The project was a labor of love for father and son, recorded over several sessions at Jack’s Lakewest Recording in West Greenwich, RI.

"Jesse is truly my best friend,” Gauthier said. ““It’s wonderful performing with him, watching him grow. But it’s the process of putting it together, choosing the songs, practicing together that’s so great. It just connects on every level. It’s indescribable.”

“Everyone loves our harmonies,” says Jesse. “Family genes, I guess.”

The duo has appeared live as “Jesse Jack’son” on stages across New England, and Jesse has fared extremely well on his own. At 16, he made it through an initial cut during American Idol auditions, and recently earned “the Star of the Day” for winning his round in the Community Auditions competition.

“I just love performing,” says Jesse. “When I’m on stage ... I know it’s a cliché, but I just feel freer. You’re a whole different person.”

“The thing that everybody says about Jesse is that he seems to connect on an emotional level with the audience he has,” Jack says of his protégé/son/band-mate/best bud. “There’s a naturalness and likeability that’s instinctive.”

Jesse is a sophomore at Rhode Island College. Jack is a longtime producer and engineer who has worked closely with Duke Robillard, Dispatch and countless others over a successful 25-year career in the business.

The CD is available through Itunes , Amazon and CD Baby .

Jesse Liam's CD Release Shows:

Thursday, February 25th 8:00 PM Free!
Mishnock Barn /West Greenwich
and
Saturday, March 6th 7:00-10pm Free!-
Cantina di Marco Restaurant/Cumberland