Good News Tucson - A Family Values Publication

Bass Player Jesse Reeves… on the Chris Tomlin
'How Great Is Our God' Concert Tour interviewed by Doris Carlson

We were in a maternity ward in Austin, Texas admiring our newest grandbaby, when I noticed another family “hanging out” in the hallway. It turned out to be musician Jesse Reeves, his pregnant wife and two daughters! Janet was a patient, admitted for “observation” while carrying their twin boys. We had a great visit, swapped stories, and exchanged email addresses.

That was December of 2005. When I found out that Jesse, who plays bass for Chris Tomlin, was scheduled for a Tucson concert, I immediately contacted Jesse for an interview. He not only agreed, but gifted me with tickets and backstage passes! (It happened to be my 63rd birthday.)

The Oct. 30, 2007 concert at UA’s Centennial Hall was packed, loud, and exciting. God was truly exalted by the music and message. After the concert, I asked Jesse about his life and his music.

How long have you been writing songs? What instruments do you play?

Jesse: I’ve been writing songs for 15 years, I guess. I’ve been playing with Chris for 10 years. My main instrument is bass, but my first instrument was harmonica. My grandfather taught me how to play. Then guitar - I just know enough to be dangerous. I’m not really good at it, but I write more on the guitar than I could on bass.

Traveling and being away from your family must be difficult. How do you keep in touch with them from the road?

Jesse: Well, we call it ‘cyber-parenting’. Both of us have computers that have ‘High Five’ cameras. Literally, on the last tour, I had to babysit the boys for about 30 minutes ‘cuz all craziness was going on in my house. Janet sat them in front of the computer and she was like, “You have to babysit the boys. I have to take care of the girls!” So, I had to make a complete idiot out of myself to entertain two 15-month-old boys. I’m standing in front of the computer just absolutely going crazy for 30 minutes. Janet comes in and says “thanks for watching them.” I have to discipline on the computer, if one of the girls is in trouble. Janet makes them sit in front of the computer and I’ll talk to them. It’s kind of crazy, but it works!

What inspires your songs? Do you draw from what you are reading in God's Word or from events in your life?

Jesse: Yes and Yes! A lot of it comes from personal reading in the Bible. You know, Chris and I write a lot together, so it’s more like sitting down and saying “What do you think about this or that?” You take it from sermons. You take it from however God speaks to you. God can speak when you are looking at nature or when you’re listening to a sermon or a song or whatever. It’s just listening to the Spirit, that’s always speaking. We’re just not always good at listening! So usually I think it’s when you’re in a place where you can listen, you can always write a song. We always say, though, that we don’t feel like we write songs: we receive songs. I know that’s kind of crazy to think about, but that is the way it is.

What would you say to encourage young song writers out there about following their dreams?

Jesse: If Chris and I can write songs, anybody can write songs! We’re both from small towns, country people. Just think where we are now! The only answer is the Lord. The Lord has no limits. I would say, if you set out to do it on your own, you might be disappointed. But God can take you further than you ever thought!

Learn more about Jesse Reeves, Chris Tomlin and the rest of the band at www.christomlin.com.