Know Acisse Jay

Acisse Jay (äkēsā jā), born Jessica Michelle Hall, is a rock/blues singer-songwriter from Norfolk, VA. Influenced early on by the melodic prowess of Whitney Houston, she got started in her music career by learning to play piano, clarinet, tenor saxophone, and singing in her Baptist-church family choir. In 2012, she relocated to Raleigh, NC and decided to pick up the guitar.

Ten years later and the crooner is continually growing as artist. She released her debut EP in 2019—fittingly entitled “Experimental Phase EP, Vol. 1”—where she seamlessly blends musical styles with the ease of a veteran. She showcases her distinctive range throughout the project, infusing each title with texture, tone, nonconformist melodies, and musical intelligence.

To the trained ear, Acisse Jay’s music might evoke some of the best blues, rock, and soul musicians of our time including Brittany Howard, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Whitney Houston, Etta James , B.B. King , Bobby "Blue" Bland , and Mavis Staples, to name a few.

Her latest release (January 2022) is a pop rock jam collaboration with Fuchsia City & Megan Maloney titled Fool’s Gold.

“‘Fool’s Gold’ demonstrates Fuchsia City’s ability to consistently write memorable, hook filled, melodic electro pop songs.   The blues rock sound added by Acisse Jay and Megan Maloney are icing on what is already a tasty cake.”

-Right Chord Music

Acisse Jay is, currently, working on her 2nd EP —Experimental Phase EP, Vol. 2 (The Evolution of a Thang)—tentatively scheduled for release at the end of the year. 

In May 2021, Acisse Jay performed with The Phoebes Band at the 35th Annual Carolina Blues Festival: Carolina Soul, joining the line-up with legends Roy Roberts, Johnny Rawls, Darryl Johnson, Penny Smith, and 2021 Jr. Bluesman Award winner Brendan Hinch.

Born of the pandemic, The Phoebes Band started their journey in March 2021, accompanying Acisse Jay, at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Presents Queens of the City at City Square.

“The Phoebes Band (RTP, NC) were launched into the spotlight by Kingfish reposting their cover of his 2019 Grammy-nominated version of the classic, “Hey Joe”, The Phoebes Band are one of the newest bands in the Southeast. Performing the perfect mix of Rock & Blues, they always represent.”

-The Piedmont Blues Organization

In January 2023, Acisse Jay ended her tenure as Lead Vocalist/Rhythm Guitar for The Phoebes Band.