The Brain Cloud, Jessy Tomsko

The Brain Cloud is the brain-child of multi-instrumentalist Dennis Lichtman and vocalist Tamar Korn. Regarding the diverse influences in their sound, which could loosely be described as Western swing, says Lichtman, “Western swing is a quintessentially American music – a meeting point of all American musics that had come before it – jazz ). From ragtime through swing, bluegrass, Appalachian old-time fiddling, Tin Pan Alley popular songs, early country, Mississippi Delta blues, western cowboy songs… By embracing elements of all those styles, the great western swing musicians of the late 1930’s and 1940’s formed something new and thrilling, and which happened to reach an absurd level of commercial success.”

The Brain Cloud draws its inspiration from this fearless smashing-together of genres. Live shows are where the band excels. Tamar’s voice is reminiscent of an old 78 rpm record, and she brings lively spirit and improvisational freedom to each song – not to mention her jaw-dropping  “muted trumpet” and “violin” vocal solos. And Lichtman equally at home on mandolin, fiddle, and clarinet, leads the band’s arrangements in a way that keeps the audience (and the band) excited to see what’s coming next. That is, if the audience hasn’t already left their seats to crowd the dance floor.

Singer/songwriter Jessy Tomsko has a love for music that stretches back to early childhood. With her self-penned lyrics and catchy melodies, Jessy celebrates life and love in her acoustic renditions brought to life on the stage and in the studio.

Jessy’s work is infused with a lightness and warmth that is equally embodied in her live performances. Maintaining a busy performance schedule, she has played at such prominent venues as Rockwood Music Hall and Highline Ballroom in NYC, World Cafe Live and Sellersville Theater in Philadelphia, Club Passim in Boston, Musikfest Cafe in Bethlehem, as well as major events such as the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (Emerging Artist Stage), the Cape May Singer/Songwriter Festival, and the Beta Hi-Fi Emerging Artist Festival at World Cafe Life (presented by WXPN). She has also had the honor of sharing the stage with such notable artists as Joan Osborne, Edwin McCain, Loudon Wainwright III, Chris Trapper, Ari Hest, Declan O’Rourke, and Amber Rubarth. In September 2015 she performed at the prestigious NY Songwriters Circle showcase.

After some studio experimenting for several years (which resulted in one EP and several singles), Jessy teamed up with producer Michael McCoy (Maroon Five, Faith Hill, Gavin De Graw) in 2013 to record her newest record “Big Hearts”, a five song EP that features her strongest writing and performances to date. Folky, fresh, and alive, this collection moves through joy, pain, fear, hope, and love in Jessy’s catchy yet confessional style, and showcases her artistic and vocal maturity, taking new risks that pay off. “Big Hearts” was released in May 2014.

Jessy is now back in the studio recording a new collection.