Jason Ajemian and The High Life
Riding The Light into the Bird’s Eye
New Atlantis Records
www.sundmagi.com

Bassist-songwriter Jason Ajemian uses music to vent his emotions. His latest release Riding the Light into the Bird’s Eye with his ensemble The High Life is a mixture of blues, funk, soul, gospel, rap, and modern jazz. Supported by Owen Stewart-Robertson (guitar), Jacob Wick (trumpet), Peter Hanson (alto sax), and Marc Riordan (drums), Riding The Light into the Bird’s Eye is a maze of spontaneous bursts of energy held together by mellifluous sounding vocals that move the listener.

The opening track ‘My Name on Records” relies heavily on the spoken word to convey its message. The lyrics are a Letter to Daddy read in linear phrases which are then layered so numerous voices come at the listener all at once. The chaos intensifies the feelings of hurt and anger. Moving on, the labyrinth of wiggling horns strewn across “Bliss Is This” travel from one phase to the next turning to a bluesy metronome in “Spectacle.” The rattling drum beats of “His Name on Records” supports the gospel-tinged vocals, which transition to a funky groove in “Feels A Ton.” The spinning horns in “Decked with Diamonds” boast an avant garde edge which vessels a bebop spontaneity in “Precious” and smooth bluesy riffs along “Slide Life” as the vocals move in caressing strokes.

Riding The Light into the Bird’s Eye merges soul with elements of jazz, blues, and funk. The recording is stylish while addressing deep-seeded emotions enabling the music to be an outlet to vent which Jason Ajemian does so with artistic verve.

Musicians:
Jason Ajemian – bass Owen Stewart-Robertson - guitar, Jacob Wick - trumpet, Peter Hanson - alto saxophone, and Marc Riodan - drums,

Tracklisting:
My Name On Records, Bliss Is This, Spectacle, His Name in Records, Feels A Ton, Decked With Diamonds, Precious, Slide Life