Jesse Brock

Hailing from Bowling Green, Kentucky, Jesse Brock stands out as a virtuoso of the traditional bluegrass mandolin, known for his crisp and energetic playing across both his own lively originals and longstanding favorites.

Born on July 18, 1972, in Decatur, Illinois, Brock has remained deeply engaged with bluegrass music for most of his life. He first appeared onstage at age seven alongside the Brock Family Band, adding vocal harmonies with his sisters. At nine he assumed mandolin responsibilities within the group, shaping a personal approach influenced by Bill Monroe, Jimmy Gaudreau, Jesse McReynolds, David McLaughlin, and most notably Nate Bray.

Following the Brock Family Band’s dissolution in 1988, Jesse Brock performed with Stonewall Bluegrass, Lynn Morris, and Chris Jones & the Night Drivers. When his employer required him to choose between his daytime position and his musical path, Brock turned his attention to recording a first solo project. Issued by Pinecastle Records in June 2002, Kickin’ Grass spotlights several of bluegrass’s finest instrumentalists—including guitarist Ron Stewart, banjo player Tom Adams, Marshall Wilborn, and Jason Carter—on a program of originals, traditionals, and tributes to classic material, all anchored by Jesse Brock’s delicate, Nate Bray-inspired mandolin work.