Bozeman Magazine

Nominated for 2014 Denver Westword Music Awards “Best Folk” category, Jesse’s music is rooted in traditional folk music, but re-invents the time-honored sound by blending a menagerie of historical genres with his own haunting voice. Manley has worked with a variety of different artists – most notably Garrett Ammon of Wonderbound (formerly Ballet Nouveau Colorado). His first album, Devil’s Red, was released in April 2011 and received energetic praise from international critics. His second effort; A Path through the Dark, released in November 2012. The album was added into rotation at over 110 radio stations across the United States, including a Top 30 charting at WALT in Davidson, NC. Early in 2013, Manley and Ammon release A Gothic Folktale. Inspired by magical realism, incorporating tarot as its core theme. In October 2013, A Gothic Folktale was brought to the stage, receiving critical acclaims and featured on Rocky Mountain PBS. Michael Mulhern of Presenting Denver raved “The amazing band, led by Jesse Manley with original music for the show was the cherry on the top of the cake and the live aspect added such a wonderful quality to the production.” Live recordings of the final two performances were produced into an album which was released on April 26, 2014.