Jesse Harris


Jesse Harris is an American songwriter, producer, and guitarist. He has worked with Norah Jones, Melody Gardot, Madeleine Peyroux, and Lizz Wright.

Early life and education

Harris and his twin sister were born in New York City. He attended Riverdale Country School in New York City. He graduated from Cornell University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

Career

Jesse Harris's music has been described as a "blend folk, rock, jazz, and world rhythms."
Harris gave guitar lessons and performed in musical groups before he formed the duo Once Blue with singer-songwriter Rebecca Martin. This was the first group he was in and his first experience writing for another singer. Once Blue released its self-titled debut on EMI Records in 1995 and nine additional songs were included in the album's re-release in 2003.
Harris signed as a songwriter with Sony Publishing in 1998 and then made three self-released recordings with his new band, The Ferdinandos, consisting of Harris, Tony Scherr, Tim Luntzel, and Kenny Wollesen. The band released two more albums on sublabels of Verve Records. Harris recorded three solo albums Mineral, Feel, and Watching the Sky on his own label, Secret Sun Recordings.
In 2003, he was awarded a Grammy Award for Song of the Year for "Don't Know Why", performed by Norah Jones. Jones's album, Come Away with Me, includes five of Harris' compositions: "Don't Know Why," "Shoot the Moon," "One Flight Down," "I've Got to See You Again," and "The Long Day Is Over." Harris plays guitar throughout the whole album. Jones and Harris have collaborated numerous times since then. Jones has been a guest on many of his albums and he appears as guitarist on almost all of her albums. Harris appears as a guitarist on Bright Eyes' 2005 album, I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, as well as Motion Sickness. He contributed songwriting to Jones' 2008 release The Fall as well.
In 2007, Harris delivered songs for the soundtrack of the film The Hottest State, written and directed by actor Ethan Hawke. The soundtrack featured new versions of his songs by Jones, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Feist, Cat Power, M. Ward, The Black Keys, Bright Eyes, Brad Mehldau and Rosario Ortega. He also acted in the film.
In August 2010, Harris released his album Through the Night and recorded a new version of his song "The Secret Sun" for a Corona beer commercial.
Harris's 11th album, Sub Rosa, recorded in Rio de Janeiro, was released in July 2012 and features guest vocals from Conor Oberst, Melody Gardot, and Norah Jones. Harris's 12th album, the stripped down Borne Away, was released on June 25, 2013.
Harris and Jones appear together in the 2014 David Wain/Michael Showalter film, They Came Together, performing his song, "It Was the Last Thing on Your Mind," which Harris produced. In 2016, he appeared in Showalter's film Hello, My Name Is Doris, performing his song, "Anything Was Possible."
In 2013, Harris joined John Zorn's Song Project along with Mike Patton, Sofia Rei, and Sean Lennon, writing lyrics for various Zorn compositions and singing them at festivals worldwide with a band featuring Marc Ribot on guitar, John Medeski on keyboards, and Zorn conducting. Two of the group's albums have been released by Tzadik Records. Zorn and Harris also collaborated on a project which featured singer and violinist Petra Haden alongside the Julian Lage Trio, plus Harris on guitar. The resulting album, Music for Petra, was released in 2020 on Tzadik.
Harris already worked with Petra Haden as interpreter of his songs; the album Seemed Like a Good Idea – Petra Haden Sings Jesse Harris came out in 2016 on Sunnyside.
Other artists who have recorded Harris's songs include Smokey Robinson, George Benson, Pat Metheny, Kandace Springs, and Solomon Burke. Songwriting collaborations have included Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot, Maria Gadú, Maya Hawke, and Vinicius Cantuária. Production credits include albums for Forro in the Dark, Sasha Dobson
In 2017, Jesse started Cosmo, a group for only his instrumental compositions, with CJ Camerieri, Will Graefe, Jeremy Gustin, Benjamin Lazar Davis, Michael Boshcen, and Harris. They are currently working on an album with producer Jason Lader.
Harris's album Aquarelle was recorded in Lisbon, Portugal, and released in September 2018, and features Gustin and Graefe, Ricardo Dias Gomes, Petra Haden, Valerie June, Sophia Brous, Thomas Bartlett, Rob Moose, Jesse Carmichael, Marcelo Camelo, and Jason Lader. On Surpresa, in 2021, Harris closely collaborated again with Vinicius Cantuária.
Harris continued working with John Zorn in the beginning of the 2020s. In 2020, Zorn and Harris released Songs For Petra, which features vocalist Petra Haden and the Julian Lage Trio. Most recently, Zorn and Harris wrote a musical, Love Songs. A live album of the songs, featuring Haden, is released by Tzadik Records.
He continues to work on multiple projects, both as a bandleader and as a producer. In 2022 Cosmo, Harris' instrumental project, released the album, But When?, and in 2023, Spring Song. Other production credits for Harris include albums for Papooz, Maya Hawke, and Gabi Hartmann. A new solo album, If You Believed In Me, featuring orchestral arrangements by Maycon Ananias, plus guest appearances by Norah Jones, Jake Sherman and Marine Quéméré, was released in November 2025.

Discography

YearAlbumArtistDetails
2025If You Believed in Me Jesse Harris
2025La femme aux yeux de sel Gabi Hartmannsongwriter, producer, guitarist, drummer, engineer
2024Resonate Papoozsongwriter, producer, guitarist
2024EP “Little Song Lines” Gabi Hartmannsongwriter, guitarist
2024Dusk Gaby Morenosongwriter, guitarist
2024Resonate Augmented Papoozsongwriter, producer, guitarist
2024Chaos Angel Maya Hawkesongwriter
2024dreaming Andrew Kamelproducer, guitarist
2024Unspoken Anson Jonesproducer, songwriter, guitarist, drummer
2024Love Songs Live John Zorn / Jesse Harrislyricist, producer, mixing engineer
2024EP “Petite Folie” Jesse Harris feat. Anson Jones, Lisa Ducasse, Ëda Diaz & Lau Noah
2024Single “Ride On/Wild Horse” Jesse Harris
2024Ahlam EPMaryam Turkeysongwriter, producer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist
2024Clipped Wings EP Maya Hawkesongwriter, guitarist
2023Cosmo – Spring Song CosmoLeader
2023Self‑titled Gabi Hartmannproducer, songwriter, guitarist, engineer
2022But When? CosmoLeader
2022Time Is A Healer Todd Clouserproducer, guitarist
2022Alegoría Gaby Morenosongwriter
2022Trio Jon Drydenproducer, songwriter
2022Singles “Milles Rivages” / “Buzzing Bee” Gabi Hartmannproducer, songwriter, guitarist
2022Silver Balloon Jesse Harris
2021Surpresa with Vinicius Cantuária Jesse Harris
2021Single “Da Vinci”Demirasongwriter
2021… ‘Til We Meet Again Norah Jonessongwriter, guitarist
2021The SpringsStar Roverproducer, bassist, keyboards
2021Single “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow” Gaby Morenosongwriter
2021EP “Always Seem To Get Things Wrong” Gabi Hartmannproducer, songwriter, guitarist
2021Single “Blue Hippo” Maya Hawkesongwriter, producer, bassist
2020Everlasting Day Jesse Harris
2020Tura Lura Harrington, Gustin and Zahnproducer, guitarist, keyboardist
2020Blush Maya Hawkesongwriter, producer, guitarist
2020Songs for Petra… John Zorn & Jesse Harrissongwriter, producer, guitarist, keyboardist
2020Angelheaded Hipster… Various Artistssinger, guitarist
2020Sunset in the Blue Melody Gardotsongwriter
2019Songs Never Sung Jesse Harris
2019Single “Always Seem To Get Things Wrong” Gabi Hartmannsongwriter, producer, guitarist
2019Singles “To Love a Boy” / “Stay Open” Maya Hawkesongwriter, producer, guitarist, pianist
2019Harmony Bill Frisellsongwriter
2018Aquarelle Jesse Harris
2018Once Blue Live at the Handlebar – live recorded in 1996Once Blue with Rebecca MartinCo-leader
2018Modern Lore Julian Lageproducer, musician
2018Indigo Kandace Springssongwriter, guitarist
2018Live in Europe Melody GardotSongwriter
2018Single “Milk” Samiaproducer, piano, keys
2017Music for Chameleons Jesse Harris
2017Love Song Renproducer, songwriter, guitarist
2017Lust for Life Lana Del Reysongwriter
2017Single “Amuleto” Tiaguitarist
2016Hello, My Name Is Doris Roadside Attractions ;filmguitarist, songwriter, actor
2016Arclight Julian Lageproducer
2016Soul Eyes Kandace Springssongwriter, guitarist
2016Petra Haden Sings Jesse Harris – Seemed Like a Good Idea with Petra Haden Petra Haden & Jesse Harrisproducer, songwriter, guitarist, singer
2015No Wrong No Right with Star Rover Jesse Harris
2015Currency of Man Melody Gardotsongwriter, guitarist
2015Love Song Covers Tomoyo Haradasongwriter, singer
2015Freedom & Surrender Lizz Wrightsongwriter, guitarist
2015Forro in the Dark Plays Zorn Forro in the Darkproducer
2015The Song Project Live at Le Poisson Rouge John Zornsongwriter, singer, guitarist
2015Single “Dia Especial” Tiago Iorcproducer, piano
2014They Came Together Soundtrack EP  featuring “It Was the Last Thing On Your Mind,” performed by Norah Jones Lionsgate Films ;filmguitarist, songwriter, producer, actor
2014Way To Be Amanda Breckerproducer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter
2014Esmeraldas Tiaproducer, guitarist, keyboardist
2014Daggers Ex Copssongwriter
2014The Song Project John Zornsongwriter, singer, liner notes
2013Borne Away Jesse Harris
2013Zeski Tiago Iorcguitarist, songwriter
2013True Crime EPButter The Childrenproducer
2012The Absence Melody Gardotsongwriter
2012Sub Rosa Jesse Harris
2012On a Ride Wax Poeticsongwriter
2012Indio de Apartamento Vinicius Cantuáriasongwriter, vocalist
2012Al Posto del Mondo Chiara Civellosongwriter
2012Viento Y Sombra Rosario Ortegaproducer, songwriter, guitarist
2012I Just Happen To Be Here Alexia Bomtempoguitarist
2012Bem Me Quer Mar Me Quer Pierre Adernesongwriter, guitarist
2011O Que Você Quer Sabe de Verdade Marisa MonteGuitarist
2011Berlin 13 Federico Aubelesongwriter
2011Verano Maldito Luis Ortega Film ;filmsongwriter, singer, actor
2011Blossom Amanda Breckerproducer, guitarist
2011Mais Uma Página Maria Gadúsongwriter, guitarist, producer
2011Little World Ila & The Happy Treesguitarist
2010There's a Storm Inside Featuring Dianne Reeves & Bob Mintzer Chico Pinheirosongwriter
2010Nikki Nikki Yanofskyproducer, guitarist, songwriter
2010Through the Night Jesse Harris
2010Cosmo Jesse Harris
2010The Rock and the Tide Joshua Radinsongwriter
2010Man Drawing The Light Yuichi Ohataproducer, guitarist, songwriter
2010Single “The Secret Sun” Jesse Harris
2009Watching the Sky Jesse Harris
2009The Fall Norah Jonessongwriter, guitarist
2009My One and Only Thrill Melody GardotSongwrite
2009Light a Candle Forro in the Darksongwriter, singer
2009Trip The Verbssongwriter
2009Luminous Halo Port Of Notesproducer, guitarist
2009bonus track “Something Is Calling You” Norah Jonessongwriter, guitarist
2008Firesight Jessie BaylinSongwriter
2008Like a Fire Solomon Burkesongwriter, guitarist, vocalist
2008Mais Uma Página Maria Gadúco-written and -produced two tracks, plays acoustic guitar on one
2008bonus track “We Were Free” Priscilla Ahnsongwriter, guitarist
2008Music From The Magic Shop Yuichi Ohataproducer, guitarist
2007Not Too Late Norah Jonesguitarist
2007Feel Jesse Harris
2007The Hottest State Think Films Soundtrack, featuring Willie Nelson, Feist, Bright Eyes, Emmylou Harris, The Black Keys, M. Ward, Cat Power, Brad Mehldau, Norah Jones, Tony Scherr, and Rocha filmsongwriter, producer, guitarist, vocalist
2007Arrivals Bank Street Theatre stage playincidental music composer
2007You Jessie Baylinproducer, songwriter, guitarist
2007Summer Clouds, Summer Rain Miyuki Hatakeyamaproducer, songwriter, guitarist, vocalist
2006Slow New York Richard Julianharmonica
2006Modern Romance Sasha Dobsonproducer, songwriter, guitarist
2006Twenty-three Tristan Prettymanguitarist, songwriter
2006Half the Perfect World Madeleine Peyrouxsongwriter
2005Mineral Jesse Harris
2005I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning Bright EyesGuitarist
2005Motion Sickness Bright EyesGuitarist
2005Dreaming Wide Awake Lizz Wrightsongwriter
2005Trouble Is Real Johnathan Riceguitarist, drummer, songwriter
2004While the Music Lasts Jesse Harris & the Ferdinandos
2004Careless Love Madeleine Peyrouxsongwriter
2004Feels Like Home Norah Jonesguitarist
2003The Secret Sun Jesse Harris & the Ferdinandos
2003Ken's Bar Ken Hiraisongwriter, guitarist
2003Rewind Ricky Fantesongwriter, guitarist
2003Once Blue Reissue Once Blue with Rebecca Martinco-leader, guitarist, vocalist
2002Come Away with Me Norah Jonessongwriter, guitarist
2002Without You Jesse Harris & the Ferdinandos
2001Crooked Lines Jesse Harris & the Ferdinandos
2001First Sessions Norah Jonessongwriter, guitarist
2001The Colossus of Rhodes Sean Waylandguitarist
1999Jesse Harris and the Ferdinandos Jesse Harris & the Ferdinandos
1999Stranger Things Have Happened Seamus Blakeguitarist
1999Ancient Pleasures Marie Franksongwriter, guitarist
1998Dragon Tales – TV show – opening theme songTV Showguitarist, songwriter
1996Single “You Were Meant For Me” Jewelguitarist
1995Once Blue Once Blue with Rebecca Martinco-leader of band, songwriter, guitarist, singer
1995Tails Lisa Loebguitarist
1995You Will Be You The Hattersguitarist