Roots Music Report

A gumbo of funky grooves, blues, and retro rock served piping hot from Southeast Texas! Winners of the 2024 Houston Blues Challenge, Melon Jelly features Stephen Droddy on drums, Jason McCollum on bass,  and Mark "Nessie" Nesmith on guitars and vocals.

Between the three of them there’s not much they haven’t played. A seasoned live performer and session recording drummer, Stephen Droddy has toured nationally and recorded and produced numerous artists. Stephen is endorsed by Samsun Cymbals and Collission Drumsticks and teaches with Guitar Center. Mark "Nessie" Nesmith was the Houston Blues Society selection for 2023 Solo Blues Artist in the Houston Blues Challenge. Mark is an accomplished singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist. He’s performed as a solo artist and with multiple bands on stages throughout the USA including the House of Blues, the Levitt Pavilion, the historic Stagecoach Ballroom, and Remington Park Casino. Mark’s music has been heard on numerous television and radio shows including Fox 4 & the CW's Jim King of the Road Show and the long running syndicated series Texas Country Reporter. His artwork is found in more than 30 states and has been featured in national and international publications. Born and raised in SETX, Jason McCollum brings two decades of bass experience to the stage. He has performed throughout Texas with the bands Ultrasuede, Jag, Lazarus Bowl, and more. When the three of them first jammed together it was love at first groove.  

Melon Jelly's first full CD "The Road to Memphis" drops early 2025 and they'll be competing in the International Blues Challenge held in Memphis, TN in January. Sign up for the Jelly Roll mailing list to keep up with the band and be sure to like and follow Melon Jelly on Facebook!