Jesse Rae

b. 1951, Scotland. An unashamed champion of Scottish culture and independence, Jesse Rae produces an idiosyncratic brand of Caledonian funk. In the 70s he moved to the USA and through work in Cleveland and Los Angeles studios, became acquainted with several leading soul artists, including Bernie Worrell and Michael Hampton from the Funkadelic / Parliament enclave. Back in the UK, Rae was unable to secure a contract despite offering several superior demos, and his debut single, ‘D.E.S.I.R.E’, was latterly issued via the Miami-based TK organization. In 1981 he worked with Worrell as part of the eccentric P-Funk offshoot Space Cadets, and the following year Rae’s excellent composition, ‘Inside Out’, was a UK Top 3 hit for Odyssey. That same year he released ‘I Feel Liberal-Alright!’, with politician David Steel on vocals, in the hope of securing a Scottish Prime Minister during an election year. In 1985, Rae was signed to WEA Records and although the anthem-like ‘Over The Sea’ was only a minor UK hit, its attendant video was highly praised. Rae has since become a respected director, partially through the need for video and audio tapes to support his live appearances. Yet his novelty-bound garb - kilt, helmet and claymore are sported on all personal appearances - has detracted from his undoubted musical skills. In 1996, he became the first musician to release an entire album over the Internet. © TiVo