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The oldest of four sons, Jesse was born in Pittsburgh, PA and eventually settled in Boston, MA. Born into a family of musicians, including his brother and fellow artist, Cory Bonanno, Jesse began playing piano by ear at the age of three. His parents loved to travel with their sons and Jesse would often be seen “playing piano” on his suitcase while waiting in airports and hotels. Jesse started playing viola in the orchestra in third grade and continued until his senior year when he composed and conducted an original orchestral piece, “Voyage of a Dreamer”. He was later voted “Most Musical” student in his senior year of highschool.

When he wasn’t practicing and performing music, he played a variety of sports and was the captain of the varsity soccer team. In 2001, Jesse attended The Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY and studied Viola Performance and Music Business. He performed in symphonic and chamber orchestras, and wrote his first song, “See You There”. Ultimately, Jesse decided to leave The Crane School of Music and transferred to Clarkson University where he would eventually obtain a bachelor's degree in Business Management. While at Clarkson University, Jesse moved to Orange County, California to work at Yamaha as a Marketing Intern. He purchased his first Yamaha synthesizer, Motif ES 7 and used it to self-produce a full-length album, “Say You Will” released in 2006 with the help of engineer, Chris Stein of Oakwood Recording Company. The feedback from this debut album was impressive. Jesse was interviewed and performed on Fox News, B95.5 radio station and ASF Radio featured him as Artist of the Month. In 2008, the TV series, Whitaker Bay (ION Network) featured “With You Tonight” one of the tracks on his debut album“Say You Will”.

Jesse is trained on the viola and self-taught on the piano, synthesizer, guitar and violin. When writing and composing songs, the piano is his instrument of choice. His music is generally inspired by real life experiences. His first album, “Say You Will” reflects an easy listening, adult contemporary style. His EP, “Check Please” released in November 2008, is more pop/rock in style. His third release, "Runaway Dream Machine" due out in February of 2011 is a self-produced project focusing on a return to authenticity.

Jesse also works as an Oracle Systems Consultant for Accenture in Boston, MA