There's a fine line between a jam band and a band that jams. New Orleans' the Revivalists fall into the latter category. The band seamlessly mixes indie, alt-country, soul and everything in between effortlessly. Hearty pedal steel riffs and gentle sax-play weave in-between lovelorn lyrics that echo the blues.

The Revivalists know how to infect a live venue with a sense of purpose and energy. Their performances wrap feel-good, danceable melodies around funky, shape-shifting jams as energetic fans latch on to and get down to their grooves. This band has an innate talent for finding the balance in the tricky dichotomy of a hooky chorus and an indulgent jam. The overall effect is inspiring, and, most importantly, never boring.

Jesse Dee:

Jesse Dee writes timeless songs that resonate as both humble tributes and clever updates of the classics. He brings them to life with a compelling voice that will lift you up as sure as it will lay you down. Jesse molds all of the influences and experience into a well-honed, hard-working package, one that takes its rightful place in the evolution of soul music. It’s more than a tribute: It has fresh legs to carry the torch into the future. His second album is in the works and due for release in early 2012, but you can always get the best of what’s to come by seeing Jesse play live. Soul music is in good hands with Jesse Dee.