Biography
After experiencing a stroke in 2021, amidst the peak of COVID-19 pandemic, that significantly impacted his life Melbourne's fiery blues/soul infused, reggae/roots inspired, singer/songwriter, and lead guitarist Jesse Valach is finally stepping back onto the blues stage with a new upcoming release titled; “Stroke of Luck”. Having performed alongside some of Australia's biggest names in blues music including Russell Morris, Geoff Achison, Jeff Lang, Lloyd Spiegel, Jimi Hocking, Ray Beadle and on numerous occasions he was the dynamic guitarist behind renowned harmonica player Mr Chris Wilson. Mr Valach first made a name for himself honing his craft at local blues jams and after being selected to perform on the “Unearthed Stage” at The Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival and Winter Blues Festival in Echuca by the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society alongside his former outfit Blues Mountain their sound caught the rapt attention of everyone from the loyal traditional blues followers to the casual-part time listener.
With an unmatched dedication, hard work, devotion, and a killer rhythm section to boot Jesse Valach has produced a tight riveting live show and with their debut album coming in at #3 on the Australian Blues and Roots radio airplay charts, it is a definite testimony to that. Mr Valach’s second release ‘Separation Street’ also enjoyed extensive radio airplay hitting the #2 spot and receiving a nomination for Best Blues Album of 2015 at The Age Victorian Music Awards. Performing close to 200 shows a year including festivals such as Thredbo Blues, Wangaratta Jazz & Blues, Blues on Broadbeach, Australian Blues Music Festival, and Queenscliff Music Festival. With two jam packed album launches under his belt and very successful over seas tours in New Zealand and Fiji, Mr Valach also holds the prestigious honour of being Melbourne Blues Performer of the Year 2017 where he represented Australia at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee. With his newly rebranded outfit Jesse Valach and The Testaments recently releasing their current single "Testify" enjoying extensive airplay and a highly anticipated 3rd album in the works scheduled for an early 2025 release it’s any wonder that from local blues jams to the international stage he is indeed a musician on the rise.