Jesse received a B.A. in Asian Studies from The University of Colorado at Boulder, where he has been music director of the C.U. dance department since 1991. In 2002 he became a part time instructor, teaching one music course per semester. He loves working with many instruments and genres of music, and often incorporates interesting sound environments he has recorded during his travels into his work. He also composes and performs with The Buzz Band (new music on ancient instruments with a characteristic buzzing sound), and more often with 'Sherefe' Balkan/Middle Eastern Ensemble, performing regularly in Colorado, California, and New Mexico.

Recent projects include a stint at BAM Next Wave Festival in New York with David Dorfman Dance and composer Amy Denio, a percussive score created on a tower of used car parts for choreographer Gabriel Masson at the Bates Dance Festival, and a contemporary ballet soundtrack based on five of Colorado's native birds with Ballet Nouveau Colorado. He also recently created a new "underwater" section for David Taylor Dance Theatre's touring production "Rainforest". Several Cds of his work are available; Sea Spirits, Music from Theater of the Vampires, Lazer Vaudeville, Rainforest, and others.

Sea Spirits

Songs from the Second World

Sea Spirits (vocals removed)