I must start this premiere/review off with a prerequisite: I am very critical of guitarists who go the instrumental route. Having said that, Jamey Arent is an amazing guitarist. The proof is in the track ‘The Back Burner’. He is not one of those instrumentalists that say ‘I can tickle the frets.’ with every track. His music is layered in beautiful riffs and melodies that captivate the listener, whether you are into music scores, pop or rock songs, or anything, for that matter. ‘The Back Burner’ walks that fine line of musicianship, diversity, and artistic license, and walks it well. At times I can hear tose little nuances that give me the impression that the track is one of those perfect jam sessions in which everyone playing on it is having fun. Those are the groups and artists to watch because having fun can be contagious.
“This instrumental title track encompasses a few of the elements I like in my music. It has some New Orleans funk influence, some jazz harmony and showcases my friend Nigel Hall on Hammond B3 organ and Clavinet. As the title track and first cut on the record, I think it’s a great introduction to the EP and to me as a solo artist.”
– Jamey Arent
‘The Back Burner’ is out everywhere on July 19, 2019.
About Jamey Arent
What does it mean to be a virtuoso? Is it the mastery of one’s craft? Being a veteran in a particular art form? Showing prodigious characteristics early on in one’s career?
If these are the benchmarks of talent, then Los Angeles-based guitarist and songwriter Jamey Arent checks every box.
Born in Denver, Jamey picked up the guitar at the age of 12 and by 18 he was studying under legends Robin Eubanks and Bob Ferrazza, cutting his teeth and honing in his chops at Oberlin Conservatory. It was here that Jamey began to carry the torch of modern day blues, jazz and rock guitar stylings.
In the years since his completing his training at Oberlin and earning his masters degree at USC’s Thornton School of Music, Jamey Arent has built up an extensive resume touring with a variety of notable acts such as Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons (which included a PBS Capitol Fourth live TV special with Jamey on lead guitar), Glee’s Matthew Morrison, Spencer Day, and Grammy-nominated singer B. Slade. His guitar playing can be heard on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Ed Helm’s Ted Nelms, the Netflix Original series Special, and backing artists like Smokey Robinson and Trombone Shorty on the soundtrack to the Netflix series Motown Magic. For the last eight years, Jamey has been touring and recording with indie R&B/Soul artist Raquel Rodriguez.
Through all of this, Jamey has learned not only the art of guitar but also the art of songwriting. Drawing from fellow contemporary guitar masters like Derek Trucks and Joe Bonamassa, as well as legends like B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, his debut EP, ‘The Back Burner,’ sees Jamey step out from the sides of the curtain and take center stage.
For his debut, Jamey recruited esteemed producer/guitarist Josh Smith. The two of them worked side-by-side to make this dynamic project come to life. Also featured are Nigel Hall (Lettuce, Soulive), Charles Jones (Raphael Saadiq, Andra Day, Vulfpeck), Amber Navran (Moonchild), Spencer Day and Jamey’s collaborator and friend Raquel Rodriguez.
Together with the help of his friends, Jamey Arent has crafted a record only a lifelong virtuoso could create, bringing blues & jazz-funk fusion into the modern world.
Track Listing:
- The Back Burner
- 47 Days
- How Far We’ve Come (ft. Raquel Rodriguez)
- Castle Green
- Find My Blues
- Stay for the Night
Album Credits:
- Jamey Arent: Guitar, Vocals
- Nigel Hall (Lettuce, Soulive): Hammond Organ, Clavinet, Rhodes, Synth (1,4)
- Charles Jones (Raphael Saadiq, Andra Day, Vulfpeck): Hammond Organ, Clavinet, Rhodes (2,3,6)
- Nikos Syropoulos: Hammond Organ (5)
- Corbin Jones: Bass (1,5,6)
- Nick Campbell: Bass (2,3,4)
- Christian Euman: Drums, Percussion
- Raquel Rodriguez: Lead Vocal (3), Tambourine (3), Background Vocals (6)
- Sam Brawner: Percussion (3)
- Tim McKay: Saxaphone, Horn Arrangements (1,3)
- Erik Hughes: Trombone (3)
- Marcus Paul: Trumpet (3)
- Brandyn Phillips: Trumpet (3)
LINKS:
https://www.jameyarent.com
https://www.facebook.com/jameyarent
https://www.instagram.com/jameyarent
https://www.twitter.com/jameyarent
https://www.youtube.com/jameyarent
