- Jesse Nicholas Quebbeman-Turley
Jesse Nicholas Quebbeman-Turley is a local session drummer and co-founder of the Deseret Experimental Opera Company and the Avant Garawge concert series in Provo. He started a film-scoring business, Giant Frame, and is currently the drummer for bands Quiet House, The Number Ones, Ice People, The Logan Hone Large Ensemble, Collapses, FunCoffn and Tvsk/Gypsy Cab. His latest project, Bright Whistles, is set to release their new self-titled album on June 18 at Velour in Provo. While Turley studied jazz drumming and composition at Brigham Young University, he has also composed operas and recently began playing the pump organ.
How hard is it to drum up session work in Utah?
If you're on time to things, learn the songs, are a decent person and can play your instrument, it's not too bad.
Any favorite musical projects you've worked on?
Right now, I'm really excited about the upcoming Bright Whistles record, White Bristles. We're releasing it on June 18 at Velour in Provo.
What projects are you working on these days?
I'm playing in a Las Vegas-style pop revue band that plays all over the country, so I've been traveling a lot. I'm also writing songs of my own and working on my first solo record. It's been a whole new thing writing lyrics and singing. I've been having fun with it.
Which up-and-coming local artists should people keep an eye on?
Officer Jenny, [who is opening for Bright Whistles on June 18] is getting ready to release an amazing album that y'all should definitely listen to. Also, all of the artists in the Medusa Collective are badass, and they're shaking up all the things that need shaking.
Name your top musical influences:
Guillaume de Machaut, Jim Black, Dirty Projectors, Philip Glass and Christian Asplund.
What are the best venues to play at around Salt Lake City and Utah Valley?
Venues all depend on the project for me. I love playing at bars like the Bayou and Gracie's in Salt Lake City with jazz bands, at Velour and Urban Lounge with indie/rock bands, and I still really love a good house show.
How hard is it to find places to practice?
It's a bit of a struggle. BYU finally realized I'm not going there anymore and kicked me out of their practice rooms.
Hardest pattern to play?
Houndstooth.
