“Whether he's banging out the blues on his 1959 Harmony Stratotone Jupiter or crooning an acoustic-folk tune, Jesse Waldman never sounds like he's doing anything other than baring his soul.”

— John Lucas, Mike Usinger - The Georgia Straight

“On his debut album, East Van mainstay Waldman showcases his considerable skills as a fingerpicker, as a singer, writer and arranger”

— Stuart Derdeyn, Vancouver Sun

“Mansion Full of Ghosts is an inspired keeper for ongoing enjoyment and exploration”

— Bruce Mason, Penguin Eggs

“In the 34+ years I’ve been writing album reviews, having a record take my breath away is a rare yet most welcome experience; it just happened again. The Shimmering Divide, the second offering from these two Vancouver musicians (Jesse Waldman & Marc L'Esperance), is a thoughtful, gorgeous collection of introspective, vulnerable songs that really take you on a journey.”

— John Kereiff (The Rock Doctor)

“Jesse Waldman’s Year of the Fire Dragon feels like a quiet, reflective walk through the seasons of a life. It’s his first fully instrumental acoustic album, and it’s clear he poured his heart into every note.”

— James M, Canadian Beats

BIO

A staple of the East Van music scene, Jesse Waldman’s bluesy, roots-driven sound reflects his deep connection to the city and its diverse culture. His songs tell stories of the streets, people, and places that define Vancouver’s creative heart. As an accomplished and intuitive lead guitarist, Jesse delights his audiences with his refined, effortless technique, wide range of styles, and dynamic improvisations.

Out of a musical journey that began with the discovery of a guitar collecting dust in an attic in the suburbs of Thornhill, Ontario, Jesse continues to draw inspiration from folk, Americana, and traditional blues. He has toured throughout Canada, Western US, and the UK, and has been a headliner at the Burnaby Blues & Roots and Mission Folk Music Festivals. 

Jesse’s debut album, Mansion Full of Ghosts, heralded by Vancouver Sun, Penguin Eggs, and The Georgia Straight, was an exploration of a city’s duality, with all of its beauty and shadows, expressed through varying moments of lush, orchestral arrangements to hushed duets over expert fingerpicking. 

Jesse’s sophomore album, The Shimmering Divide, was released September 20th, 2024, and saw him collaborating with long-time musical partner Marc L’Esperance.The songs are watercolours of people and places Jesse has encountered and truly cared about, presented humbly and gorgeously as an acoustic-based collection of alt-folk ruminations. 

Waldman's latest album “Year of the Fire Dragon” was released June 1, 2025. As a recent Georgia Straight review noted “The instrumental record features 13 tracks of guitar-driven music: an ocean of sound that flows between roots and blues, soundscapes and country, atmospheric and intimate. Compare the wash of “Unveiling” to the solo jazz tones of “Cherry Blossoms On An East Van Alley”, and consider all the ways that six strings can sing.”

Promo Photos

MUSIC

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