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Tuesday, August 11, 2020

The Moniker - Jesse Daniel Edwards

black and white of Jesse Daniel Edwards in Nashville Photographer Sarah Bello

The Moniker 


I've set out to capture the vulnerable solo sets up to musicians spilling over the edges of the stage. My favorite was never a secret. 


He carries his own instrument beneath his skin in between his head and heart. It can stand alone or lead an orchestra. The only instrument worthy to parallel his own is the piano, and they meet as masterfully as the horizon. 


Songwriting at it's purest, life's moments felt not simply recalled. The torturous reopening of the wounds forced and self-inflicted. The listener is in the midst of it, often uncomfortably so, but unable to pull away. You find yourself in them beautifully broken. 


I met him in the aftermath when the stories were brief and vague. For a few minutes that first night, a boy stood in front of me so young I almost didn't recognize him. Over the years I watched him try on a multitude of disguises. Cloaking himself in everyone's clothes but his own. Baring his most painful memories for a room of strangers then putting that experience on repeat, night after night. 

What armor would you need to protect yourself? What vices would you need to numb it? Would you be brave enough to speak the truth? 


In concert, my camera is my armor as I'm surrounded by his reinforcements from the East and the strongholds in the West. I would be overwhelmed by emotion without it. Nevertheless, it is also the secret pathway from my heart into the world. I try to capture a glimmer of what beats so beautifully beneath. 


 His pathway is his voice through song. Uniquely his own. It will not be heard and then forgotten. It will break you wide open, reach for your heartstrings, and create a wondrous collaborative. 


Album Available August 21st, 2020

Juni Ata (Website)

Meant to be enjoyed on Vinyl 

Jesse Daniel Edwards singing and playing guitar photographer Sarah Bello


Jesse Daniel Edwards playing electric guitar Nashville

Jesse Daniel Edwards playing guitar 5pot Nashville
Jesse Daniel Edwards performing at Alberta St. Pub photographer Sarah Bello

Juni Ata taking the stage 3rd and Lindsley Nashville 2019 Jesse Daniel Edwards
Jesse Daniel Edwards and band on stage Nashville
JESSE DANIEL EDWARDS at the piano



Juni Ata - Woodstock Sofa Sessions July 2020 
Songs from the upcoming album Saudade

Secret of You - Single- 
from the compilation Album Cavity Search 2020




5 comments:

  1. You’re a beautiful writer! Can’t wait to hear the new album.

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  2. Oh wow, I saw this musician a couple of times in a more intimate venue and I agree. He is such a story teller. Draws you right in and his voice is so rich. Kinda reaches down into your soul. Can’t wait to hear what he has been creating.

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  3. That is beautiful and written from your heart, Sarah
    M. Lovein

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  4. Oh my. Beautifully written. And the photos are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete