There is Hope
Jess Hammond

Jess Hammond grew up in the country music town of Tamworth and was raised by two professional musicians. She has performed in a number of varied environments including churches in Australia, the Sydney Opera House and around campfires in Siberia, and is presently touring Australia.

There is Hope is a CD of folk-style gospel songs. Jesse, who writes her own songs, says her songs "bubble up straight out of my times of being alone with God. They are born from relationship."

She is accompanied by her guitarist husband Daniel Hammond. Other musicians include Phil Gaudion (ex Paul Colman Trio) on drums and Andrew Naylor (Roma Waterman, House2House Band) on bass

Jess' voice is exquisite and the standard of musical performance on the CD is very high. I particularly enjoyed "Beautiful Friend". However, I felt the songs were a little too similar in rhythm and style.

I would like to see her include some jazz or blues, which I feel she could sing very well. She could also try a comic song or two on the trials of being a Christian. It must have been very cold in Siberia!

Katy Gerner