Drummer

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ABOUT

JESSE LEE MEFFORD has been the first choice for many singer/ songwriters and bands throughout his career. He has over 30 years of experience gigging, song writing, touring, recording, and teaching. He has opened for national acts including Shinedown, Trapt, Bret Michaels, and Little Big Town. And, he has backlined for national acts including Chevelle and Seven Mary Three. Jesse plays by ear and learns new songs quickly. Other musicians recognize his signature style of playing. He is versatile in all musical genres, especially rock, pop, and country and plays with a click track. Jesse is well-known in the Louisville, Kentucky music scene and beyond. He is available for gigs, writing, recording, and touring.

INFLUENCES

Kenny Arnoff, Jimmy Chamberlain, Danny Carey, Carter Buford, Josh Freese, Brain, Taylor Hawkins

FAST FACTS

3

favorite genres

34

years playing

15

bands regularly played in

5,000

gigs played (rough estimate)

"Jesse has a mind for music, drumming, but most importantly, he has a mind that is open. Open to new sounds, concepts, ways to set up his rig and new challenges. His groove and pocket are solid and his meter is tight. When Jesse lays down a groove, you move to it. When I met Jesse, I had to learn some of his drum lines, and his approach to music is all about the song: as it should be. He's a good human, with a great heart and an open mind. You can't go wrong with Jesse Mefford."

- Steven O’Reilly, drummer
“Jessie is one of the best drummers I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with. He has impeccable timing and chops, is always prepared, and gives his 100% each and every time he plays. Jesse is also an incredible musician as a whole. He gets along with everyone, is always on time, and willing to work with anyone in any situation. I highly recommend Jesse for your drumming needs!”

- Kris Kerr, lead guitar, Hannan
"I was in a band with Jesse for several years and have jammed with him a handful of times since. He is the kind of drummer that makes everyone in the band better. I was the lead singer and Jesse was always able to give me my cue live on stage with a little drum fill that the crowd wouldn't catch because Jesse knew that I don't count measures when on stage. I always listen to the drummer. His playing is solid and his time keeping abilities never steer you off course. When playing original songs with him, his instincts always legitimize any song I wrote almost instantly. He understands music and the dynamics needed to be a great band. Jesse has the ability to play insane drum fills all night but will lay back if he knows the song can benefit from a simple beat and minimal flair. The best I ever was on stage was when he was holding down the rhythm section behind me. If you need a drummer or someone to take lessons from.....don't waste your time looking elsewhere. Give Jesse a call. 🤘"

- Wes Heim, singer, My Pet Octopus

WATCH

UPCOMING

May 9

New Direction Bar & Grill
2630 Chamberlain Ln.
Louisville, KY
The Swerve
(Party Songs)

May 24

Joe’s Older Than Dirt
8131 New La Grange Rd
Louisville, KY
The Swerve
(Party Songs)

May 31

The Fox Den
3814 Frankfort Ave
Louisville, KY
The Swerve
(Party Songs)

June 7

Wildwood Country Club
5000 Bardstown Rd.
Louisville, KY
The Swerve
(Party Songs)

June 21

Good Times Summer Concert
1400 Main Street
Clarksville, IN
The Swerve
(Party Songs)

June 28

Joe’s Older Than Dirt
8131 New La Grange Rd
Louisville, KY
The Swerve
(Party Songs)

July 18

The Fox Den
3814 Frankfort Ave
Louisville, KY
The Swerve
(Party Songs)

August 8

Friday Fest at Highview Park
7122 Briscoe Ln.
Louisville, KY
The Swerve
(Party Songs)

August 23

Joe’s Older Than Dirt
8131 New La Grange Rd
Louisville, KY
The Swerve
(Party Songs)

Freelance drummer, drummer for hire, jesse mefford

CURRENT / PAST PROJECTS

Click the “+” to watch, read, and listen.

The Swerve, out of Louisville, KY, is a high energy band serving a great mix of country and rock.
Facebook
Video: Live at The Fox Den, January 3, 2025
Country party cover songs + originals
rock/pop party songs
Facebook
WATCH:
Lonely is the Night
Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Party songs / rock
Watch
Country / party songs
WATCH:
o Wide Open Spaces
o Shook Me All Night Long
o Some Days You Just Gotta Dance
wedding and events band
website
WATCH:
o Devil Went Down to Georgia
Country original music
Website
Hard rock / metal original band
Listen here
original country recordings
Listen here
Country original music
Original Southern Rock
Listen here.
Managed by Rendy Lovelady (Little Big Town…) Nashville, TN
Wrote and recorded their first original rock album with sound engineer Steven Marcantonio (Lady A, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett…) and produced by Glen Rosenstein (U2, Madonna, Talking Heads…) at Paragon Studios (Nashville, TN) and Distillery Sounds (Louisville)
Earned a place in the final round of Fuse Network’s Bodog Battle of the Bands in 2007.
Alt rock/covers, touring
Played many shows throughout Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, and Illinois
Opened for national acts including Shinedown and Trapt
Original Rock
Bandmates included former Tantric bassist, Bruce LaFrance and record producer Rahul Borkar
Listen here
Original rock / jam band
Original folk/rock

Hire Jesse

Available for gigs, writing, recording, and touring
Genres: Rock, grunge, metal, country, pop/party
Inquire below for quote

50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date(s). The remaining balance is due immediately following your gig or session. By submitting payment, you agree to these terms.

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