Bess Jacques & The Strays are a Maine-based band performing a blend of jazz, Americana, and eclectic originals. The band's sound ranges from lush vocal ballads to hard-swinging instrumentals, from pensive to pulsing to pop, for a mix of sounds that is both classic and fresh.
The band: Bess Jacques leads the band on piano and vocals, joined by a selection of Portland's top talent. On its monthly date at Blue (third Wednesdays), the band features Tracy McMullen on saxophone, Duane Edwards on bass, and Jan van Voorst van Beest on drums. Other current and past Strays include: founding member Kate Campbell Strauss (saxophone), founding member Per Hanson (drums), Darren Whitney (saxophone), Asher Barreras (bass), Evan Haines (guitar), Sheldon Perkins (drums), and other beloved local talents.